mid-ocean ridge

noun

\ ˈmid-ˈō-shən-

Definition of mid-ocean ridge

: an elevated region with a central valley on an ocean floor at the boundary between two diverging tectonic plates where new crust forms from upwelling magma

Examples of mid-ocean ridge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Erta Ale has been erupting constantly for over 50 years and it is believed that as the Erta Ale continues to erupt, a new narrow ocean basin with its mid-ocean ridge will be formed. — Uwagbale Edward-ekpu, Quartz Africa, "Scientists say a new ocean will form in Africa as the continent continues to split into two," 12 Aug. 2020 The latest boomerang was recorded near the mid-ocean ridge in the Atlantic, where the South American and African tectonic plates slowly inch apart. — Maya Wei-haas, National Geographic, "Weird ‘boomerang’ earthquake detected under the Atlantic Ocean," 10 Aug. 2020 These two facts generally explain both volcanoes along plate boundaries—like the Pacific Ring of Fire or the mid-ocean ridges—and those at hot spots like Hawaii and Yellowstone. — Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, "Volcanoes where they shouldn’t be? Maybe it’s a mantle sponge," 28 Feb. 2020 Earth's longest mountain chain, the mid-ocean ridge, is slowly revealed after sea levels drop by 6,500 feet. — Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, "Watch All of Earth's Oceans Drain Away in One Mesmerizing Video," 3 Feb. 2020 That could make more sense if mid-ocean ridge eruptions were pumping out extra CO2. — Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, "End-Cretaceous asteroid impact seems to have juiced seafloor volcanoes," 8 Feb. 2018 There are submarine volcanoes, along Earth's mid-ocean ridges, that have been erupting longer. — Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, "Hawaii volcano: The science behind the eruption of Kilauea," 7 May 2018 The mid-ocean ridges and dinosaurs continue their normal activity. — Smithsonian, "The Meteorite That Killed the Dinosaurs May Have Also Triggered Underwater Volcanoes," 8 Feb. 2018 The mid-ocean ridges on the seafloor, however, keep records. — Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, "End-Cretaceous asteroid impact seems to have juiced seafloor volcanoes," 8 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mid-ocean ridge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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“Mid-ocean ridge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mid-ocean%20ridge. Accessed 26 Feb. 2021.

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