Which describes how the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean changes over time?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean are getting larger.
Both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean are getting larger.

The Atlantic Ocean is getting larger, while the Pacific Ocean is getting smaller.
The Atlantic Ocean is getting larger, while the Pacific Ocean is getting smaller.

The Atlantic Ocean is growing smaller, while the Pacific Ocean is getting larger.
The Atlantic Ocean is growing smaller, while the Pacific Ocean is getting larger.

Both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean are getting smaller.
Both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean are getting smaller.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

The Atlantic Ocean is getting larger, while the Pacific Ocean is getting smaller.

This is due to the process of plate tectonics, where the Atlantic Ocean is widening due to seafloor spreading at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, while the Pacific Ocean is generally shrinking due to subduction of the oceanic plate at various trenches.