what is the accepted primary mechanism for seafloor spreading
Seafloor spreading Seafloor spreading is a process that occurs at mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust is formed through volcanic activity and then gradually moves away from the ridge.
Mid-ocean ridge Mid-ocean ridges are geologically active, with new magma constantly emerging onto the ocean floor and into the crust at and near rifts along the ridge axes. The crystallized magma forms new crust of basalt (known as MORB for mid-ocean ridge basalt) and below it, gabbro.[1] They are formed by two oceanic plates moving away from each other. Hydrothermal vents are a common feature at oceanic spreading centers. [2]