Explain why the oceanic crust is progessively older as one travels from a mid ocean ridge...?

Question

...to the edge of the ocean basin. This is a review question, but I just don't get it. Can someone explain?

Answer 1

The mid ocean ridge is where the earth's crust and the upper mantle meet. The mantle is composed of liquid magma, right? The magma cools once it comes into contact with water and creates new crust. The newest crust is closest to the MOR. The older crust is pushed further away from the MOR because it has to make room for the new crust being formed.

Answer 2

The mid ocean ridge is where cruse is being created.  The plates are being spread apart and magma is reaching the surface and cooling into oceanic crust.  The crust is constantly being pulled away from the ridge because it is spreading.  Its like taking a peice of dough and stretching it in opposite directions....where the dough breaks in the middle is where new crust is formed and the old crust keeps moving away