What occurs at a divergent plate boundary?

What occurs at a divergent plate boundary?

• A. Plates collide and create mountains
• B. Plates move apart from each other
• C. Plates slide past one another
• D. Plates plunge into the mantle

Answer: (B)

At a divergent plate boundary, tectonic plates move apart from each other. This type of boundary is typically associated with mid-ocean ridges, where magma rises from below the Earth's surface to fill the gap created by the separating plates. As the magma erupts and cools, it forms new oceanic crust. This process not only contributes to the creation of new landforms but also leads to volcanic activity along these boundaries. The movement of plates in divergent boundaries is primarily driven by forces such as mantle convection, and it plays a crucial role in the recycling of the Earth's lithosphere and the overall dynamics of plate tectonics.

At a divergent plate boundary, tectonic plates move apart from each other. This type of boundary is typically associated with mid-ocean ridges, where magma rises from below the Earth's surface to fill the gap created by the separating plates. As the magma erupts and cools, it forms new oceanic crust. This process not only contributes to the creation of new landforms but also leads to volcanic activity along these boundaries. The movement of plates in divergent boundaries is primarily driven by forces such as mantle convection, and it plays a crucial role in the recycling of the Earth's lithosphere and the overall dynamics of plate tectonics.