Here's why:
* Plate Tectonics: Mid-ocean ridges are where new oceanic crust is formed as tectonic plates move apart (divergent plate boundaries).
* Faulting: As the plates separate, magma rises from the mantle and erupts, creating new crust. The movement of these plates causes fractures and faults in the newly formed crust.
* Shallow Focus: These faults are relatively close to the surface, resulting in earthquakes with shallow focal depths.
In contrast to deep-focus earthquakes (which occur at subduction zones), shallow-focus earthquakes at mid-ocean ridges are generally less powerful and cause less damage due to their shallower depths.
