Divergent Boundary

Definition

A divergent boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other. This movement creates new crust as magma rises to the surface, forming features such as mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys. The interaction at divergent boundaries is crucial for understanding the process of seafloor spreading and continental drift, which are fundamental concepts in the study of plate tectonics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Divergent boundaries are primarily found along mid-ocean ridges, where they create new oceanic crust.
2. The East African Rift is a prominent example of a divergent boundary on land, showcasing rift valley formation.
3. As tectonic plates move apart, volcanic activity is common due to rising magma, which can lead to the creation of new islands.
4. Divergent boundaries contribute to the recycling of Earth's crust, helping to maintain geological stability over time.
5. These boundaries can also cause earthquakes as the plates shift, although they tend to be less intense than those found at convergent boundaries.

Review Questions

• What geological features are commonly associated with divergent boundaries, and how do they form?
  • Geological features associated with divergent boundaries include mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys. Mid-ocean ridges form when tectonic plates pull apart, allowing magma to rise and solidify into new oceanic crust. On land, rift valleys occur as tectonic forces create fractures and depressions in the Earth's surface, resulting in the formation of low-lying areas where new crust is generated.
• How does the process of seafloor spreading relate to divergent boundaries and the theory of plate tectonics?
  • Seafloor spreading occurs at divergent boundaries where tectonic plates move away from each other, creating new oceanic crust. This process supports the theory of plate tectonics by demonstrating how Earth's lithosphere is dynamic and constantly being reshaped. As magma rises and cools at mid-ocean ridges, it pushes older crust outward, providing evidence for the movement of tectonic plates over geological time.
• Evaluate the significance of divergent boundaries in understanding Earth's geological processes and their impact on ecosystems.
  • Divergent boundaries play a crucial role in understanding Earth's geological processes as they are responsible for the formation of new crust and the recycling of existing crust through seafloor spreading. This continuous activity shapes ocean basins and influences local ecosystems by creating unique habitats around hydrothermal vents that host diverse marine life. Additionally, divergent boundaries can affect global geological stability by contributing to earthquake activity, illustrating their broader significance within the framework of plate tectonics.

Related terms

Seafloor Spreading: The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.

Mid-Ocean Ridge: An underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics at divergent boundaries where new oceanic crust is created.

Rift Valley: A lowland region that forms where tectonic plates diverge on land, leading to the formation of valleys and new crust.