Mid-ocean ridges are primarily located in which geological features?

Mid-ocean ridges are primarily located in ocean basins, where tectonic plates diverge from one another. These geological features are underwater mountain ranges formed by volcanic activity as magma rises to the ocean floor and solidifies when it comes in contact with seawater. This process is a key component of sea-floor spreading, where new oceanic crust is created and contributes to the growth of ocean basins. The ridges play a significant role in plate tectonics, influencing geological processes such as earthquakes and volcanic activity along divergent plate boundaries.

In contrast, the other options involve geological features where mid-ocean ridges are not typically found. Continental regions refer to landmass areas, while mountain ranges on land are generally formed by tectonic activity related to converging plates, not diverging ones. Deserts are characterized by arid conditions and lack the geological activity associated with mid-ocean ridges. Therefore, the location of mid-ocean ridges in ocean basins is a fundamental explanation of their formation and relevance to plate tectonics.