* Seafloor Spreading: At mid-ocean ridges, new oceanic crust is formed as magma rises from the mantle and cools. This process, called seafloor spreading, pushes older crust away from the ridge.

* Conveyor Belt: Imagine the mid-ocean ridge as a conveyor belt, with new crust being added at the center and the older crust moving outwards.

* Age Gradient: The farther you move away from the ridge, the older the crust becomes. This creates a systematic age gradient, with the youngest crust at the ridge and the oldest crust furthest away.

Key Points:

* Symmetry: The age of the seafloor is generally symmetrical on either side of the mid-ocean ridge.

* Magnetic Stripes: The Earth's magnetic field flips its polarity over time. These magnetic reversals are recorded in the magnetic signature of the ocean floor. These magnetic stripes provide strong evidence for seafloor spreading and the age gradient.

* Exceptions: While generally true, there are exceptions to this rule. Areas of subduction zones, where oceanic crust is pushed back down into the mantle, can disrupt this pattern.

In summary: The age of the seafloor bedrock directly relates to its distance from the mid-ocean ridge. It's a crucial piece of evidence for the theory of plate tectonics and our understanding of how the Earth's crust is constantly changing.