A row of 4 diagrams, each labeled with a letter and caption. Choice A: Soft, solid rock from underneath the plates rose and hardened, adding solid rock to the edges of both plates. Choice B: Sand and dirt filled in the gap that was created by the plates moving apart. Choice C: Ocean water filled in the gap that was created by the plates moving apart. Choice D: A new plate from underneath filled in the gap that was created by the plates moving apart.

Question

2. Dr. Choi and his team of geologists have been studying GPS data that shows that two plates moved apart. Which diagram shows what happened between the two plates as they moved away from each other?
Responses

a
Diagram A: Soft, solid rock from underneath the plates rose and hardened, adding solid rock to the edges of both plates.
Diagram A: Soft, solid rock from underneath the plates rose and hardened, adding solid rock to the edges of both plates.

b
Diagram B: Sand and dirt filled in the gap that was created by the plates moving apart.
Diagram B: Sand and dirt filled in the gap that was created by the plates moving apart.

c
Diagram C: Ocean water filled in the gap that was created by the plates moving apart.
Diagram C: Ocean water filled in the gap that was created by the plates moving apart.

d
Diagram D: A new plate from underneath filled in the gap that was created by the plates moving apart.
Diagram D: A new plate from underneath filled in the gap that was created by the plates moving apart.
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Answer 1

The correct response to the question about what happens between two tectonic plates that are moving apart is:

d. Diagram D: A new plate from underneath filled in the gap that was created by the plates moving apart.

This choice accurately describes the process that occurs at divergent boundaries, where magma rises from beneath the Earth's surface to fill the gap created by the separating plates, forming new material.