Here's a more detailed explanation:
* Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics. They occur where two tectonic plates are pulling apart, allowing magma to rise from the mantle and create new oceanic crust.
* The top of a mid-ocean ridge often has a central rift valley or axial valley. This valley is formed by the divergent plate motion, creating a zone of weakness where the crust is pulled apart.
* Steep-sided is an accurate description of the rift valley's edges. The valley is formed by the downward movement of the crust, leading to steep, almost vertical walls.
So, the tops of some mid-ocean ridges are indeed split by a steep-sided valley, known as a rift valley or axial valley. This valley is a key characteristic of mid-ocean ridges and is a visible sign of the ongoing process of seafloor spreading.
