What geological process is responsible for forming new ocean crust?

The formation of new ocean crust is primarily attributed to the upward movement of molten material from the mantle, a process that occurs at mid-ocean ridges. When tectonic plates diverge at these ridges, magma rises from below the Earth's surface to fill the gap. As the magma cools and solidifies, it forms new crust that is primarily composed of basalt. This process is a key component of seafloor spreading, where the ocean floor expands as new material is added, continuously renewing the oceanic crust.

In contrast, weathering of rocks pertains to the breaking down of rocks at the Earth's surface and does not contribute to the creation of new crust. Subduction involves one tectonic plate being forced beneath another, leading to crust being destroyed rather than formed. Similarly, while volcanic eruptions on land can create new landforms and volcanic islands, they do not specifically contribute to the generation of new oceanic crust, which is distinct from continental volcanic activity.