Here's why:
* Divergent plate boundaries are where two tectonic plates are moving away from each other.
* This movement creates space, allowing magma from the Earth's mantle to rise to the surface.
* This rising magma cools and solidifies, forming new crust.
* This process is known as seafloor spreading and is responsible for the formation of mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.
Examples:
* The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a classic example of a divergent plate boundary where the North American and Eurasian plates are pulling apart.
* The East African Rift Valley is another example, where the African plate is splitting apart.
Let me know if you have any other questions about plate tectonics!