Why are mineral deposits often found at divergent ocean boundaries?(1 point)

Question

Responses

The mineral deposits form in the mantle, and the minerals are pushed to the surface as the tectonic plates move apart.
The mineral deposits form in the mantle, and the minerals are pushed to the surface as the tectonic plates move apart.

The spreading of the tectonic plates causes water to rush into the area, and the minerals from ocean water are deposited on the ocean floor.
The spreading of the tectonic plates causes water to rush into the area, and the minerals from ocean water are deposited on the ocean floor.

Minerals from the crust dissolve in water that is superheated by magma, and the minerals are deposited on the ocean floor as the water cools.
Minerals from the crust dissolve in water that is superheated by magma, and the minerals are deposited on the ocean floor as the water cools.

Magma is exposed when the tectonic plates move apart, and heat from magma melts away other parts of the ocean floor, leaving the minerals behind.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

Minerals from the crust dissolve in water that is superheated by magma, and the minerals are deposited on the ocean floor as the water cools.

At divergent boundaries, when tectonic plates move apart, magma rises from the mantle and can heat the surrounding water. This superheated water can dissolve minerals from the crust, and as it rises and cools, those minerals can precipitate and form deposits on the ocean floor. This process is common at mid-ocean ridges where hydrothermal vents are found.