Seafloor Spreading

Construct a Model of Seafloor Spreading

Subduction

Illustration of Subduction, USGS: Public Domain

The creation of new seafloor at mid-ocean ridges and its destruction in subduction zones is one of the many cycles that cause the Earth to experience constant change.

In this activity, you will create a simple model that shows the evolution of oceanic crust through seafloor spreading and subduction.

How to Complete this Assignment

assignment iconDownload and complete the Model of Seafloor Spreading activity. Complete the steps as indicated and respond to the included questions. Begin by collecting the following materials. When you are finished, submit your completed work to the dropbox.

Materials
• 2 sheets of 8.5" x 11" paper (cardboard may be substituted for 1 of the sheets)
• Metric ruler
• Colored pencils, markers, or crayons
• Scissors
• Transparent tape
• Masking tape
• Digital camera