Plate Tectonics Questions Medium
The process of divergent plate boundary formation occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other. This movement is driven by convection currents in the underlying asthenosphere. As the plates separate, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap, creating new crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading when it occurs beneath the oceanic crust. The newly formed crust pushes the existing crust away from the boundary, leading to the formation of mid-ocean ridges. These ridges are characterized by volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes. On land, divergent plate boundaries can result in the formation of rift valleys, where the Earth's crust is stretched and thinned. Examples of divergent plate boundaries include the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the East African Rift System.