* Divergent Plate Boundaries: These are areas where tectonic plates are moving away from each other. As they pull apart, magma from the Earth's mantle rises to the surface, creating new crust. This process is called seafloor spreading.
Examples of Divergent Plate Boundaries:
* Mid-Ocean Ridges: These underwater mountain ranges are formed by the rising magma at divergent boundaries. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a famous example.
* Continental Rifts: These are areas where continents are being pulled apart. The East African Rift Valley is a prime example.
Key Features of Divergent Plate Boundaries:
* Volcanic Activity: New crust is constantly being formed, leading to volcanic activity along the boundary.
* Earthquakes: As the plates move apart, there is often seismic activity.
* Formation of New Ocean Basins: Seafloor spreading at divergent boundaries can eventually lead to the formation of new ocean basins.
Let me know if you have more questions about plate tectonics!
