The diagram below shows a cross section of Earth’s layers. Arrows show the direction of the flow of rock in the outer layers of Earth.

Movement of rock in Earth’s crust can occur because of heat flow, as hot rock rises and cool rock sinks, and because of new rock pushing older rock away from ridges. What is the best description of how the older rock moves to allow continents to move apart, leaving behind ocean basins?

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Group of answer choices

As new rock forms at ocean ridges, the older rock is pulled towards the ridge. This moves Earth’s crust, so continental plates can move closer together, forming ocean basins.

As new rock forms at ocean ridges, the older rock is pushed up to form mountain ranges. These mountain ranges push continental plates farther apart, leaving behind ocean basins.

As new rock forms at ocean ridges, the older rock is pushed away from the ridge. This moves Earth’s crust, so continental plates can move closer together, forming ocean basins.

As new rock forms at ocean ridges, the older rock is pushed away from the ridge. This moves Earth’s crust, so continental plates can move farther apart, leaving behind ocean basins.