Question:

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the properties of the oceanic lithosphere?

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Oceanic lithosphere thickens and cools with age, and the rate of heat flow decreases as you move away from the ridge. Older lithosphere cools more slowly than younger lithosphere.
Updated On: Apr 21, 2025
  • Older lithosphere cools at a slower rate compared to younger lithosphere
  • Heat flow increases with lithospheric age
  • Heat flow in the lithosphere increases with distance from the spreading ridge
  • Thickness of the lithosphere increases with age
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The Correct Option is A, D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand cooling behavior with age. 
Younger lithosphere cools rapidly. As it ages, the lithosphere becomes thermally insulated and the rate of cooling decreases, making (A) correct. Step 2: Heat flow trends. 
Heat flow is highest at the ridge (young lithosphere) and decreases with age and distance from the ridge, making (B) and (C) incorrect. 
Step 3: Lithosphere thickness. 
With cooling over time, the lithosphere becomes denser and thicker. Hence, (D) is correct.

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