Dr. Raisa and her 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?

Question

Responses

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

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

Answer 1

The correct answer to describe what happens when two tectonic plates move apart is typically represented by the formation of new crust. In the context of tectonic plate interactions, this is often seen at mid-ocean ridges where magma rises to fill the gap created by the separating plates.

Therefore, the most accurate response would be:

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

This reflects the geological process of seafloor spreading, where magma rises to form new oceanic crust as the plates diverge.