Plate Tectonics Questions Medium
The process of divergent boundary formation is known as seafloor spreading. It occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other, creating a gap or rift between them. As the plates separate, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap, forming new oceanic crust. This process is driven by convection currents in the mantle, which push the plates apart. Over time, the newly formed crust cools and solidifies, creating a symmetrical pattern of magnetic stripes on the seafloor. Divergent boundaries are commonly found along mid-ocean ridges, where new crust is continuously being formed.