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Mid-Ocean Ridge System

Did you know that the Earth’s longest
mountain range is underwater?

The Mid-Ocean Ridge system, shown above snaking its way between the continents, is more than 56,000 kilometers (35,000 mi) long. This series of mountains and valleys marks where the Earth’s crustal plates are moving apart. This is where most hydrothermal vents are located. The Extreme 2003 dive site is in a vent field at 9°50' N latitude and 104°17' W longitude.

Map adapted from NOAA.

 

 

Copyright University of Delaware, November 2003