Abyssal plains are formed by the movement of which material?

Abyssal plains, which are flat, deep ocean floor areas, are primarily formed by the accumulation of sediments that settle over time. These sediments originate from various sources, including the erosion of land and biological debris. The choice highlighting molten material from the oceanic crust is pertinent because new seafloor is created at mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates diverge. As magma rises from the mantle and solidifies upon contact with seawater, it forms new oceanic crust. This process contributes significantly to the formation of abyssal plains.

In contrast to other options, magma from the Earth's core does not directly contribute to the formation of abyssal plains in the same manner. Solidified lava from volcanic eruptions typically forms volcanic islands or seamounts rather than flat plains. Glacial meltwater does not contribute to the geological processes that shape abyssal plains, as it is related to land-based processes rather than deep-sea sediment formation. Therefore, the correct association of abyssal plains with the formation processes involving molten material from the oceanic crust accurately reflects the geological dynamics of the ocean floor.