Dr. Bailey and his team are studying two plates that are far apart from each other. However, these two plates used to be next to each other. Which diagram shows what Dr. Bailey and his team would find between these plates?

Question

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

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

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

Answer 1

Based on the scenario described, where two tectonic plates are moving apart, the most appropriate diagram would be:

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

This is because when tectonic plates move apart, such as at a divergent boundary, magma rises from the mantle to fill the gap, creating new crust. This process often forms new oceanic crust if the plates are oceanic, or new landforms if they are continental.