At divergent boundaries, where tectonic plates move apart from each other, two main types of structures typically form:
1. Mid-ocean ridges - Undersea mountain ranges are created by the upwelling of magma from beneath the Earth's crust. As the magma cools and solidifies, new oceanic crust is formed. An example of this is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which runs down the center of the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Rift valleys - When divergent boundaries occur within a continent, the stretching and thinning of the Earth's crust can lead to the formation of rift valleys, which are large depressions or troughs bordered by normal faults. An example is the East African Rift system.
These structures are associated with seafloor spreading, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.
What types of structures form at divergent boundaries? Select the two correct answers. (1 point)
3 answers
what about volcanos
Yes, volcanoes can also form at divergent boundaries. Here’s more detail about volcanic activity in these regions:
Volcanoes at Divergent Boundaries: When tectonic plates move apart, magma from the mantle can rise to fill the gap, because of the reduced pressure. This can lead to frequent volcanic eruptions along the boundary. The lava that erupts is usually basaltic, which is low in viscosity and allows for a steady build-up of new crust.
The mid-ocean ridges are sites of continuous volcanic activity due to the ongoing seafloor spreading process. However, not all of the volcanic activity is explosive; it often involves the extrusion of lava that solidifies to form new oceanic crust.
In continental rift zones, such as the East African Rift, volcanic activity may be more explosive due to the interaction of magma with continental crust and the presence of volatile materials. This can lead to the formation of volcanic features like calderas, cones, and stratovolcanoes.
So, in summary, at divergent boundaries, you can expect to find:
1. Mid-ocean ridges
2. Rift valleys
3. Volcanoes
Both mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys are specific types of structures formed at divergent boundaries, while volcanic activity is a process associated with these structures.
Volcanoes at Divergent Boundaries: When tectonic plates move apart, magma from the mantle can rise to fill the gap, because of the reduced pressure. This can lead to frequent volcanic eruptions along the boundary. The lava that erupts is usually basaltic, which is low in viscosity and allows for a steady build-up of new crust.
The mid-ocean ridges are sites of continuous volcanic activity due to the ongoing seafloor spreading process. However, not all of the volcanic activity is explosive; it often involves the extrusion of lava that solidifies to form new oceanic crust.
In continental rift zones, such as the East African Rift, volcanic activity may be more explosive due to the interaction of magma with continental crust and the presence of volatile materials. This can lead to the formation of volcanic features like calderas, cones, and stratovolcanoes.
So, in summary, at divergent boundaries, you can expect to find:
1. Mid-ocean ridges
2. Rift valleys
3. Volcanoes
Both mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys are specific types of structures formed at divergent boundaries, while volcanic activity is a process associated with these structures.