Question

how did scientists learn that the rocks farther from the mid - ocean ridge are older than those near it? they appeared older and more weathered. they analyzed the water near the mid - ocean ridge. they drilled core samples from the ocean floor and analyzed them. they analyzed the top layer of sediment on the ocean floor.

Explanation:

Scientists drill core - samples from the ocean floor to study rock ages. Appearance can be misleading, water analysis won't directly show rock age, and analyzing just the top - layer of sediment is not sufficient for rock age determination.

Answer:

They drilled core samples from the ocean floor and analyzed them.