How did scientists figure out how old the rocks in the mid- altantic ridge are?

Scientists determined the age of rocks in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge primarily through radiometric dating techniques, particularly using isotopes of elements like potassium and argon. By analyzing the magnetic properties of the rocks, they also observed patterns of magnetic reversals that corresponded to known timelines in Earth's magnetic field history. Additionally, the age of the oceanic crust can be inferred from the distance of the rocks from the ridge, as younger rocks are found closer to the ridge and older ones farther away, correlating with the rates of seafloor spreading.