What Are Divergent Boundaries?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A divergent boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other. Along these boundaries, earthquakes are common and magma (molten rock) rises from the Earth’s mantle to the surface, solidifying to create new oceanic crust.

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge

is an example of divergent plate boundaries.

Where are divergent boundaries?

Divergent boundaries are spreading boundaries, where new oceanic crust is created to fill in the space as the plates move apart. Most divergent boundaries are located

along mid-ocean oceanic ridges

(although some are on land).

What is divergent boundary answer?


A tectonic boundary where two plates are moving away from each other and new crust is forming

from magma that rises to the Earth’s surface between the two plates. The middle of the Red Sea and the mid-ocean ridge (running the length of the Atlantic Ocean) are divergent plate boundaries.

What are 3 divergent boundaries?

  • Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
  • Red Sea Rift.
  • Baikal Rift Zone.
  • East African Rift.
  • East Pacific Rise.
  • Gakkel Ridge.
  • Galapagos Rise.
  • Explorer Ridge.

What is a divergent boundary and give an example?

A divergent boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other. Along these boundaries, earthquakes are common and magma (molten rock) rises from the Earth’s mantle to the surface, solidifying to create new oceanic crust.

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge

is an example of divergent plate boundaries.

What are the 2 types of divergent boundaries?

At divergent boundaries, sometimes called constructive boundaries, lithospheric plates move away from each other. There are two types of divergent boundaries, categorized by where they occur:

continental rift zones and mid-ocean ridges

.

Which of the following is the best example of divergent boundaries?

Perhaps the best known of the divergent boundaries is

the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

. This submerged mountain range, which extends from the Arctic Ocean to beyond the southern tip of Africa, is but one segment of the global mid-ocean ridge system that encircles the Earth.

What landforms are created by divergent boundaries?

At DIVERGENT boundaries the plates move apart allowing molten magma to rise and form new crust in the form of ridges, valleys and volcanoes. Landforms created by divergent plates include

the Mid Atlantic Ridge and the Great African Rift Valley

.

What are the 4 plate boundaries?

There are four main types of plate boundary. These are

constructive, destructive, conservative and collision margins

.

What are the 4 types of plate tectonics?

  • Divergent: extensional; the plates move apart. Spreading ridges, basin-range.
  • Convergent: compressional; plates move toward each other. Includes: Subduction zones and mountain building.
  • Transform: shearing; plates slide past each other. Strike-slip motion.

What are the non examples of divergent boundaries?

  • Ocean.
  • Earthquake.
  • Landforms.
  • Tsunami.
  • Fault.

What are examples of convergent boundaries?

Examples. The

collision between the Eurasian Plate and the Indian Plate that is forming the Himalayas

. Subduction of the northern part of the Pacific Plate and the NW North American Plate that is forming the Aleutian Islands. Subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate to form the Andes.

What is an example of a oceanic divergent boundary?

Oceanic-Oceanic Plate Divergence is the divergence of plate boundaries of oceanic plates. … One example of a mid-oceanic ridge is

the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge was formed as the North American Plate and Eurasian Plate diverged, creating a fault.

Do earthquakes happen at convergent boundaries?


About 80% of earthquakes occur where plates are pushed together

, called convergent boundaries. Another form of convergent boundary is a collision where two continental plates meet head-on.

Can divergent boundaries cause earthquakes?

Divergent boundaries are associated with

volcanic activity

and the earthquakes in these zones tend to be frequent and small. Continental collisions result in the creation of mountains and fold belts as the rocks are forced upwards. Plates can move towards each other at a boundary.

Why do earthquakes occur on conservative plate boundaries?

A conservative plate boundary, sometimes called a transform plate margin, occurs where plates slide past each other in opposite directions, or in the same direction but at different speeds. Friction is eventually overcome and the plates slip past in a sudden movement.

The shockwaves created produce an earthquake

.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.