Give qualitative and quantitative geoscience EVIDENCE on why the Iceland mid ocean ridge is a divergent plate boundary In 4 sentences

1 answer

The Iceland mid-ocean ridge serves as a prominent example of a divergent plate boundary, where tectonic plates are moving apart. Qualitatively, the presence of volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes in the region indicates the movement of magma and the fracturing of the Earth's crust as the plates separate. Quantitatively, seismic data reveals a consistent pattern of shallow-focus earthquakes along the ridge, with a frequency of approximately 500-800 events annually, reflecting ongoing tectonic activity. Additionally, geological studies indicate a high rate of seafloor spreading, measured at about 2-3 centimeters per year, further supporting the classification of the Iceland mid-ocean ridge as a divergent boundary.