When tectonic plates move apart from each other, the process is referred to as divergent plate boundaries. At these boundaries, the movement creates new oceanic crust as magma rises from below the Earth's surface to fill the gap. This process is commonly associated with mid-ocean ridges, where sea-floor spreading occurs.
In contrast:
- Convergent plate boundaries are where plates move towards each other, often leading to one plate being forced beneath another (subduction).
- Subducting plate boundaries refer specifically to the area where the subduction of one plate beneath another occurs.
- Transform plate boundaries are where plates slide past one another horizontally.
Thus, the correct answer is divergent plate boundaries.
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