Questions and Answers
What is a divergent boundary?
A divergent boundary is an area where two crustal plates are separating.
What does a divergent boundary form?
Volcanic islands.
How does a divergent boundary form?
Most active divergent plate boundaries occur between oceanic plates and exist as mid-oceanic ridges.
Where is this boundary located?
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What happens when huge masses are moving and spread apart?
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What rushes up to fill the gap that appears when the huge masses spread apart?
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What does magma form when the gap is filled?
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What directions do the plates go?
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What two types of divergent boundaries are there?
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Which type of divergent boundary is thin?
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What are divergent boundaries?
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What are the 2 types of divergent boundaries?
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Study Notes
Divergent Boundaries Overview
- A divergent boundary is the location where two crustal plates separate.
- This process primarily happens along oceanic crusts, forming mid-oceanic ridges.
Formation and Features
- Divergent boundaries lead to the creation of volcanic islands when plates move apart, allowing molten lava to rise and fill the gaps.
- Active divergent boundaries are characterized by cracks in the ocean floor, which occurs due to weaknesses in the crust.
Mechanics of Divergence
- As massive tectonic plates shift and spread apart, they create a gap that allows magma to ascend and fill the void.
- This upwelling magma cools and solidifies, forming new crust.
Types of Divergent Boundaries
- There are two main types of divergent boundaries: oceanic and continental.
- Oceanic divergent boundaries are thinner compared to continental divergent boundaries.
- The plates typically move in lateral directions (left and right) away from each other.
Geographical Context
- Most divergent boundaries are situated on the ocean floor, where they are predominantly found between oceanic plates.
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Description
Test your knowledge on divergent boundaries with this quiz. Learn about how these geological features form, their characteristics, and the volcanic activity associated with them. Perfect for students studying Earth Science or Geology.
