New oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges, which are underwater mountain ranges created by tectonic plate movements. These ridges are divergent boundaries where two tectonic plates move away from each other, allowing magma from the mantle to rise and solidify, creating new crust as it cools.
As the tectonic plates continually pull apart, molten rock from below the Earth’s surface, known as magma, emerges at these ridges. When the magma erupts and cools, it forms basalt, the primary rock type that makes up the oceanic crust. Over time, this process contributes to the growth of the ocean floor and can also lead to the expansion of oceans themselves.
In summary, the new oceanic crust is primarily generated at mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic activity allows magma to rise and solidify into new geological formations.