Scientists have noted patterns in the Earth's seafloor structures. For example, volcanic ridges are typically located in the center of the oceans, and trenches are typically located along the edges of continents. In addition, seafloor rocks found at the trenches are usually older than seafloor rocks found at the volcanic ridges. Which explanation of the past movement of the Earth's plates is best supported by this information? A. The continents were pushed apart when new crust formed in the center of the ocean and pushed older crust away from the volcanic ridges. B. The continents were separated when new crust that formed at the edges of the continents pushed older crust towards the center of the ocean. C. The formation of new crust at the trenches widened the seafloor and pushed the edges of the continents away from one another. D. The Earth's crust formed at the trenches and moved towards the volcanic ridges to make room for newer crust, pushing the continents apart.

A. The continents were pushed apart when new crust formed in the center of the ocean and pushed older crust away from the volcanic ridges.

Explanation:

The crust is divided into many plates that move over the mantle. Nowadays, there are six different bigger plates and twelve that are smaller. These plates are limited by three types of ridges or borders that differ in the movement they produce.

Boundaries types:

I. Divergent

II. Convergent

III. Transforming

In divergent boundaries, a new crust is created by the rising molten materials coming from the mantle. Two plates separate, and the stream of hot material creates a new seabed between them. It occurs an expansion of the sea bottom. As old plates get separated, the new and young crust instantaneously gets formed. The emerging mantle occupies the space left by the separation of the two plates. This process occurs along with an underwater mountain range, known as the mid-oceanic ridge or divergent ridge. An example of this is the ridge located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, extending from Greenlander to the southernmost point of South America.