Why is the Atlantic ocean not expanding at the same rate as the new crust?

The Atlantic Ocean is not expanding at the same rate as new crust formation due to the process of subduction, where tectonic plates are pushed beneath one another. While new crust is created at mid-ocean ridges, old crust is being recycled back into the mantle at subduction zones, particularly around the Pacific Ocean. This balance between crust formation and destruction helps maintain the overall size of the ocean. Additionally, geological processes such as continental drift can influence the rate of expansion.