What is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and where is it located?

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a mid-ocean ridge, which is a type of divergent or constructive plate boundary situated on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. It is recognized as the longest mountain range in the world.

How does the Mid-Atlantic Ridge function as a plate boundary in the North Atlantic Ocean?

In the North Atlantic, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge serves as the boundary separating the North American plate from the Eurasian plate and the African plate, specifically north and south of the Azores triple junction.

What plates are separated by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in the South Atlantic Ocean?

In the South Atlantic, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge divides the African plate from the South American plate.

What is the geographical extent of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

The ridge stretches from a junction with the Gakkel Ridge (Mid-Arctic Ridge) northeast of Greenland southward to the Bouvet triple junction in the South Atlantic.

Does the Mid-Atlantic Ridge exist entirely underwater?

While primarily an underwater feature, portions of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge rise above sea level, with Iceland being a notable example.

Who first proposed the existence of a ridge in the North Atlantic, and based on what evidence?

Matthew Fontaine Maury first inferred the existence of a ridge under the northern Atlantic Ocean in 1853, based on depth soundings taken by the USS Dolphin.

Which significant expedition confirmed the presence of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

The expedition of HMS Challenger in 1872 confirmed the existence of the ridge and its extension into the South Atlantic.

What was the primary objective of the HMS Challenger expedition's investigation in the mid-Atlantic?

A team of scientists on the HMS Challenger discovered a large rise in the middle of the Atlantic while investigating a potential location for a transatlantic telegraph cable.

When was the existence of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge confirmed using sonar technology?

The existence of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge was confirmed by sonar in 1925.

Which German expedition discovered that the ridge extended into the Indian Ocean?

The German Meteor expedition found that the ridge extended around Cape Agulhas into the Indian Ocean.

What key discovery was made about the Mid-Atlantic Ridge's bathymetry in the 1950s?

In the 1950s, mapping of the ocean floors by scientists like Marie Tharp, Bruce Heezen, and Maurice Ewing revealed that the Mid-Atlantic Ridge possessed a distinctive topography of valleys and ridges.

What did the 1950s mapping reveal about the central valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

The central valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge was found to be seismologically active, serving as the epicenter for numerous earthquakes.

What significant global geological system was identified through the mapping of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

The mapping efforts led to the discovery of a worldwide system of mid-ocean ridges, spanning approximately 40,000 km (25,000 miles) across all Earth's oceans.

How did the discovery of the worldwide mid-ocean ridge system influence geological theories?

This discovery was instrumental in the development of the theory of seafloor spreading and led to the widespread acceptance of plate tectonics, an expansion of Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift.

What role is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge thought to have played in the breakup of Pangaea?

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is considered a significant feature that contributed to the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea between approximately 200 and 160 million years ago, according to modern tectonic theory.

What prominent geological feature runs along the axis of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge features a deep rift valley that extends along its entire length.

What geological process occurs within the rift valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

The rift valley marks the actual boundary between adjacent tectonic plates, where magma from the mantle rises to the seafloor, erupts as lava, and forms new oceanic crust.

How is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge divided near the Equator?

Near the Equator, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is divided into the North Atlantic Ridge and the South Atlantic Ridge by the Romanche Trench.

Describe the Romanche Trench and its relation to the plate boundaries.

The Romanche Trench is a narrow submarine trench with a maximum depth of 7,758 meters (25,453 feet), making it one of the deepest points in the Atlantic Ocean. However, it is not considered the boundary between the North and South American plates or the Eurasian and African plates.

Name three islands located in the Northern Hemisphere that are situated on or near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Three islands in the Northern Hemisphere on or near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge are Jan Mayen, Iceland, and the Azores.

What are some islands in the Southern Hemisphere that lie on or near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

Islands in the Southern Hemisphere on or near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge include Ascension Island, Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, and Bouvet Island.

What is the highest peak on Iceland, and what is its elevation?

The highest peak on Iceland is Hvannadalshnúkur, located on the Vatnajökull glacier, with an elevation of 2,109.6 meters (6,921 feet). Iceland itself is a location through which the ridge runs.

Which island group on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge features the highest peak at Ponta do Pico?

The Azores island group features Ponta do Pico (Pico Alto) on Pico Island as its highest peak, reaching 2,351 meters (7,713 feet).

What is the specific name given to the section of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge near southwest Iceland?

The submarine section of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge close to southwest Iceland is known as the Reykjanes Ridge.

What is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge referred to as within Iceland itself?

Within Iceland, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is also known as the Neovolcanic Zone.

How does the Mid-Atlantic Ridge connect to the Kolbeinsey Ridge in northern Iceland?

In northern Iceland, the Tjörnes fracture zone connects the island to the Kolbeinsey Ridge.

What is the geological feature known as the Mid-Atlantic Rise?

The Mid-Atlantic Rise is a progressive bulge running the length of the Atlantic Ocean, upon which the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is situated at its highest point. This bulge is believed to be caused by upward convective forces in the asthenosphere.

When did the divergent boundary that formed the Mid-Atlantic Ridge first emerge?

The divergent boundary that formed the Mid-Atlantic Ridge first emerged during the Triassic period.

What are aulacogens in the context of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge's formation?

Aulacogens are the failed arms of three-armed grabens that coalesced on the supercontinent Pangaea to form the ridge. These aulacogens eventually became many of the large river valleys seen in the Americas and Africa.

What geological evidence on the Atlantic coast of North America points to the ancestral Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

The Fundy Basin, located on the Atlantic coast of North America between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in Canada, serves as evidence of the ancestral Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Besides the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, what other mid-ocean ridges are listed as related features?

Other mid-ocean ridges listed include the Central Indian Ridge, Chile Ridge, East Pacific Rise, Explorer Ridge, Gakkel Ridge, Gorda Ridge, Juan de Fuca Ridge, Pacific-Antarctic Ridge, South American-Antarctic Ridge, Southeast Indian Ridge, and Southwest Indian Ridge.

What are some examples of ancient oceanic ridges mentioned in the 'See also' section?

Examples of ancient oceanic ridges include the Aegir Ridge, Alpha Ridge, Antarctic-Phoenix Ridge, Kula-Farallon Ridge, Mid-Labrador Ridge, Pacific-Farallon Ridge, and Pacific-Kula Ridge.

What significant contribution did Marie Tharp make related to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

Marie Tharp was a key scientist involved in mapping the Earth's ocean floors in the 1950s, which revealed the bathymetry of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and contributed to the theory of seafloor spreading. Her work on marine geological maps is also noted.

What is MAR-ECO, and what is its focus?

MAR-ECO is a Census of Marine Life project focused on studying life along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Mid-atlantic Ridge Wiki: The Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Unveiling Earth's Dynamic Seafloor Boundary

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Overview

Defining the Ridge

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a prominent mid-ocean ridge, functioning as a divergent or constructive plate boundary situated along the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. It represents a significant portion of the Earth's longest mountain range, extending approximately 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles) globally.

Plate Separation

In the North Atlantic, the ridge serves as the boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates. South of the Azores triple junction, it separates the African and South American plates. This continuous process of separation drives seafloor spreading and influences continental drift.

Spreading Rate

The ridge exhibits an average spreading rate of approximately 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) per year. This consistent outward movement of crustal material is fundamental to understanding plate tectonics and the dynamic nature of our planet's surface.

Historical Discovery

Early Inferences

The existence of an underwater ridge in the North Atlantic was first hypothesized in 1853 by Matthew Fontaine Maury, based on bathymetric soundings. Subsequent expeditions, notably the HMS Challenger expedition in 1872, confirmed the presence of this significant rise in the Atlantic's center.

Confirmation and Mapping

Sonar technology in 1925 further validated the ridge's existence. The German Meteor expedition mapped its extension into the Indian Ocean. In the 1950s, extensive seafloor mapping by scientists like Marie Tharp and Bruce Heezen revealed the ridge's continuous global system and its characteristic central rift valley, which is seismologically active.

Foundation of Plate Tectonics

The discovery of this worldwide ridge system was pivotal in the development and acceptance of seafloor spreading theory and the broader framework of plate tectonics. It provided crucial evidence supporting Alfred Wegener's earlier concepts of continental drift.

Notable Features

The Central Rift Valley

A defining characteristic of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is its deep rift valley that runs along its axis for almost its entire length. This valley represents the precise boundary where tectonic plates diverge, allowing magma from the Earth's mantle to rise, erupt as lava, and form new oceanic crust.

Islands Along the Ridge

While predominantly submerged, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge rises above sea level in several locations, forming islands. These islands provide unique geological insights and are often popular tourist destinations.

Key islands situated on or near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge include:

Island	Highest Peak (Approx. Elevation)	Location Notes
Jan Mayen	Beerenberg (2,277 m)	Arctic Ocean
Iceland	Hvannadalshnúkur (2,110 m)	Ridge runs through the island (Neovolcanic Zone)
Azores	Ponta do Pico (2,351 m)	Archipelago in the North Atlantic
Saint Peter and Paul Rocks	Southwest Rock (22.5 m)	Small archipelago
Ascension Island	The Peak, Green Mountain (859 m)	South Atlantic
Saint Helena	Diana's Peak (818 m)	South Atlantic
Tristan da Cunha	Queen Mary's Peak (2,062 m)	South Atlantic
Gough Island	Edinburgh Peak (909 m)	South Atlantic
Bouvet Island	Olavtoppen (780 m)	Subantarctic, South Atlantic

Equatorial Division

Near the Equator, the ridge is bisected by the Romanche Trench, one of the deepest points in the Atlantic Ocean. While a significant bathymetric feature, it does not mark the boundary between the major tectonic plates in this region.

Geological Significance

Formation and Pangaea

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge originated during the Triassic period as a consequence of the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea. It formed from the coalescence of three-armed grabens, where two arms evolved into the divergent plate boundary, while the failed third arm became an aulacogen, influencing continental rifting and large river valley formation.

Asthenosphere Influence

The ridge sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Rise, a broad bulge caused by upwelling convective forces within the asthenosphere. This upward pressure lifts the overlying oceanic crust and lithosphere, facilitating the creation of new crustal material at the divergent boundary.

Plate Tectonics

As a primary divergent boundary, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a cornerstone of plate tectonic theory. The continuous creation of new lithosphere here drives the movement of the North American, Eurasian, African, and South American plates, fundamentally shaping the Atlantic Ocean basin and influencing global geological processes.

References & Further Information

External Resources

Explore additional resources for deeper insights into the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and related geological concepts.

Plumbing Depths to Reach New Heights: Marie Tharp Explains Marine Geological Maps - Library of Congress
Media related to Mid-Atlantic Ridge - Wikimedia Commons
MAR-ECO Project - Life along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Authority Control

Identifiers for standardized cataloging and referencing.

VIAF
GND
Library of Congress
National Library of Israel
IdRef
Yale LUX

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Mid-atlantic Ridge" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about mid-atlantic_ridge while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

battle of the ebro

smile darn ya smile

stacey m. floyd-thomas

belgian general strike of 1893

rule of law

herbert hoover

References

General citations for named fracture zones are at page Wikipedia:Map data/Fracture zone and specific citations are in interactive detail.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional geological or oceanographic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation. Always refer to official scientific documentation and consult with qualified experts for specific geological inquiries or research.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🌊 Defining the Ridge

↔️ Plate Separation

⬆️ Spreading Rate

Historical Discovery 📜

🧭 Early Inferences

📡 Confirmation and Mapping

💡 Foundation of Plate Tectonics

Notable Features 📍

🏞️ The Central Rift Valley

🏝️ Islands Along the Ridge

🌍 Equatorial Division

Geological Significance 🌋

🏗️ Formation and Pangaea

🧠 Asthenosphere Influence

🔄 Plate Tectonics

References & Further Information 📚

🔗 External Resources

🗄️ Authority Control

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Defining the Ridge

Plate Separation

Spreading Rate

Historical Discovery

Early Inferences

Confirmation and Mapping

Foundation of Plate Tectonics

Notable Features

The Central Rift Valley

Islands Along the Ridge

Equatorial Division

Geological Significance

Formation and Pangaea

Asthenosphere Influence

Plate Tectonics

References & Further Information

External Resources

Authority Control

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice