Oceanic fracture zones primarily run at what angle to ocean ridges?

Oceanic fracture zones are features that occur in the oceanic crust, typically associated with transform plate boundaries. These fractures run perpendicular, or at right angles, to mid-ocean ridges, which are sites of seafloor spreading. This unique orientation helps to accommodate the movement of tectonic plates as they slide past each other along the transform faults. Understanding this relationship is essential for grasping how tectonic activity shapes the ocean floor and influences geological processes.

In the context of the orientation, assessing how fracture zones relate to surrounding geological features can provide insights into tectonic plate movements and the structure of the oceanic lithosphere. The orientation at right angles allows for a clearer understanding of the stress and strain mechanisms that occur within the Earth's crust.