Mid-Ocean Ridges and Hydrothermal Vents

Mid-Ocean Ridges and Hydrothermal Vents

The process through which the mid-ocean ridges form was discovered fairly recently, and despite strong evidence, some scientists remained skeptical until divers brought up incontrovertible proof from the ocean floor. In this interactivity, you will continue your journey across the Atlantic, and keep an eye out for the same features that scientists used to prove that the ocean floor is spreading apart. Note that the faster the tectonic plates are spreading apart, the smaller the ridge profile. This means that you will find taller mountains near the slower moving divergent plates of the Atlantic than you will in the faster moving plates of the Pacific. Click the player button to get started.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

Mid-Ocean Ridges and Hydrothermal Vents Review

Now that you have explored the mid-ocean ridges and the forces that created them, review your knowledge in the non-graded interactivity. Follow the instructions provided on each question slide. Click SUBMIT to check your response. Click the player button to begin.

Chemosynthesis and Hydrothermal Vents Review

After viewing the video, see how well you remember what life is like down in the hydrothermal vents. In this non-graded interactivity, read and statement and determine if it is true or false. Click SUBMIT to check your response. Click the player button to begin.