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divergent crust type
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Divergent crust types refer to geological formations that occur at divergent plate boundaries, where tectonic plates are moving away from each other. This process primarily leads to the formation of new crust. Here are key features and processes associated with divergent crust types:
1. **Mid-Ocean Ridges**: Most divergent boundaries occur underwater at mid-ocean ridges, such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. As plates separate, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap, creating new oceanic crust.
2. **Rift Valleys**: On land, divergent boundaries can create rift valleys. An example is the East African Rift, where the African plate is splitting into smaller plates, resulting in the formation of valleys and lakes as the land sinks.
3. **Volcanism**: Divergent boundaries are often associated with volcanic activity. The rising magma can lead to the formation of volcanoes, which contribute to the growth of new crust.
4. **Seafloor Spreading**: The process of seafloor spreading occurs at divergent boundaries, where new oceanic crust is created and older crust is pushed away from the ridge. This process is responsible for the expansion of ocean basins over geological time.
5. **Earthquakes**: While not as intense as those at convergent boundaries, earthquakes can occur along divergent boundaries due to the movement of tectonic plates.
6. **Lithosphere and Asthenosphere**: Divergent boundaries involve the interaction between the lithosphere (the rigid outer layer of the Earth) and the asthenosphere (the semi-fluid layer beneath it), with the lithosphere being pulled apart as the asthenosphere rises to form new crust.
Overall, divergent crust types play a crucial role in the Earth's geological activity, contributing to the recycling of materials in the crust and the ongoing movement of tectonic plates.
1. **Mid-Ocean Ridges**: Most divergent boundaries occur underwater at mid-ocean ridges, such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. As plates separate, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap, creating new oceanic crust.
2. **Rift Valleys**: On land, divergent boundaries can create rift valleys. An example is the East African Rift, where the African plate is splitting into smaller plates, resulting in the formation of valleys and lakes as the land sinks.
3. **Volcanism**: Divergent boundaries are often associated with volcanic activity. The rising magma can lead to the formation of volcanoes, which contribute to the growth of new crust.
4. **Seafloor Spreading**: The process of seafloor spreading occurs at divergent boundaries, where new oceanic crust is created and older crust is pushed away from the ridge. This process is responsible for the expansion of ocean basins over geological time.
5. **Earthquakes**: While not as intense as those at convergent boundaries, earthquakes can occur along divergent boundaries due to the movement of tectonic plates.
6. **Lithosphere and Asthenosphere**: Divergent boundaries involve the interaction between the lithosphere (the rigid outer layer of the Earth) and the asthenosphere (the semi-fluid layer beneath it), with the lithosphere being pulled apart as the asthenosphere rises to form new crust.
Overall, divergent crust types play a crucial role in the Earth's geological activity, contributing to the recycling of materials in the crust and the ongoing movement of tectonic plates.
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