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Reference.org
Propagating rift
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<p>A propagating rift is a <a href="/facts/Seabed/VvxuEWJu">seafloor</a> feature associated with <a href="/facts/Seafloor_spreading/2t2oCbTp">spreading centers</a> at <a href="/facts/Mid-ocean_ridge/wYdgdSW3">mid-ocean ridges</a> and <a href="/facts/Back-arc_basin/px4uAEVE">back-arc basins</a>. They are more commonly observed on faster rate spreading centers (50 mm/year or more). These features are formed by the lengthening of one spreading segment at the expense of an offset neighboring spreading segment. Hence, these are remnant features produced by migration of the tip of a spreading center. In other words, as the tip of a spreading center migrates or grows, the plate itself grows at the expense of the shrinking plate, transferring <a href="/facts/Lithosphere/1mqaxASd">lithosphere</a> from the shrinking plate to the growing plate. </p>