ridge crest

views updated May 08 2018

ridge crest The highest part of a ridge, typically 2–3 km above the level of the abyssal plains. With slow-spreading ridges (e.g. the Mid-Atlantic Ridge) the crest is split by a median valley, whereas fast-spreading ridges (e.g. the East Pacific Rise) have no median valley and the crest has more subdued topography.

ridge crest

views updated May 11 2018

ridge crest The highest part of a mid-ocean ridge, typically 2–3 km above the level of the abyssal plains. The crest of a slow-spreading ridge (e.g. the Mid-Atlantic Ridge) is split by a median valley; that of a fast-spreading ridge (e.g. the East Pacific Rise) has no median valley and the crest has more subdued topography.