* Plate Movement: At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates are moving apart. This creates a gap or rift in the Earth's crust.
* Reduced Pressure: As the plates move apart, the pressure on the underlying mantle rock decreases. This reduction in pressure is known as decompression.
* Melting Point: The melting point of rocks is dependent on pressure. When pressure decreases, the melting point of the mantle rock also decreases.
* Magma Formation: As the mantle rock reaches a depth where the pressure is low enough, it begins to melt, forming magma. This molten rock is less dense than the surrounding solid rock, so it rises towards the surface.
In summary: The combination of plate separation, reduced pressure, and the lowered melting point of the mantle rock leads to the formation of magma at divergent plate boundaries.
