The youngest crust is found near mid-ocean ridges and spreading zones. These areas are where new oceanic crust is created as tectonic plates move apart.
Here's a breakdown:
- Oceanic crust is constantly being formed at mid-ocean ridges through a process called seafloor spreading.
- As magma rises from the mantle and cools, it forms new oceanic crust, pushing the older crust away from the ridge.
- This process creates a pattern of increasing age as you move further away from the mid-ocean ridge.
Therefore, the crust closest to the mid-ocean ridge is the youngest, while the crust furthest away is the oldest.
