The area where new rock is formed when two plates move apart is called a mid-ocean ridge.

Here's why:

* Divergent Plate Boundaries: Mid-ocean ridges are located at divergent plate boundaries, where tectonic plates are moving away from each other.

* Magma Upwelling: As the plates separate, the space created allows magma from the Earth's mantle to rise to the surface.

* New Crust Formation: This magma cools and solidifies, forming new oceanic crust. This process is called seafloor spreading.

* Ridge Formation: Over time, the accumulation of new crust creates a long, elevated underwater mountain range known as a mid-ocean ridge.

So, mid-ocean ridges are essentially "factories" for new oceanic crust.