What is formed at a divergent plate boundary
At a divergent plate boundary, two tectonic plates move away from each other. This movement creates a gap between the plates where magma from the mantle rises to fill the space. The magma then cools and solidifies to form new crust, creating a feature called a mid-ocean ridge. These ridges can extend for thousands of kilometers and are characterized by volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes. Over time, as the plates continue to move apart, the crust at the mid-ocean ridge becomes older and thicker.
At a divergent plate boundary, where two tectonic plates move away from each other, three main geological features are typically formed:
1. Mid-Ocean Ridges: In the case of divergent boundaries occurring beneath the ocean, magma rises from the mantle through a gap in the lithosphere. As it solidifies, it creates a long, elevated formation called a mid-ocean ridge. These underwater mountain chains often feature volcanic activity and can be seen at the Earth's surface in certain places, such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
2. Rift Valleys: On land, diverging plates can create a rift valley. As the lithosphere is pulled apart, the underlying mantle rises to fill the gap, leading to the formation of a valley with steep sides. The Great Rift Valley in East Africa is a prominent example of a continental rift formed by divergent plate boundaries.
3. Volcanic Activity: Divergent plate boundaries are associated with volcanic activity, especially in oceanic regions. As the plates separate, magma can reach the surface more easily, leading to the formation of volcanoes. These volcanic eruptions often result in the creation of new oceanic crust.
In summary, at a divergent plate boundary, mid-ocean ridges, rift valleys, and volcanic activity are the main features that are formed.