Here's why:
* Plate Movement: At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates are moving apart. This creates space where magma from the Earth's mantle can rise to the surface.
* Mid-Ocean Ridges: Most divergent boundaries occur beneath the ocean, forming mid-ocean ridges. Magma erupts along these ridges, creating new oceanic crust.
* Continental Rifts: Divergent boundaries can also occur on continents, forming rift valleys. The East African Rift Valley is a good example, where volcanic activity is a common feature.
While volcanism is the most likely, other events can also occur at divergent boundaries:
* Earthquakes: As plates pull apart, the crust can fracture and shift, leading to earthquakes.
* Formation of New Ocean Basins: Over time, continued spreading at mid-ocean ridges can create new ocean basins.
Let me know if you'd like to know more about any of these events!
