Question

What did scientists observe in the
ocean floor which indicates that the
Pacific Ocean is becoming smaller?
continental drift
spreading
subduction
plates floating on the mantle

Answer 1

Scientists have observed that the Pacific Ocean is becoming smaller due to the process of **subduction**. In subduction, one tectonic plate is being forced under another plate into the mantle, which leads to a decrease in the size of the ocean basin. This is in contrast to spreading, which occurs at mid-ocean ridges where new oceanic crust is created, leading to the expansion of ocean basins. So, the correct answer in this context would be **subduction**.