At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move apart, creating a gap that allows magma to rise from the mantle. As the plates separate, pressure decreases on the underlying mantle material, leading to decompression melting. This process allows the molten rock to ascend and fill the space created by the diverging plates, often resulting in volcanic activity and the formation of new oceanic crust.
Divergent boundaries form ocean ridges.
Beneath the Earth's crust is a lot of magma. Thus as the plates pull apart, it leaves a gap through which the magma can travel and erupt as lava. For example at the Mid Atlantic Ridge, there are divergent plate boundaries. The 'gap' between the divorcing plates allows magma to boil through, building up the ridge in the process.
Hot mantle rock rises to fill rift zones. When rock rises, a decrease in pressure causes hot mantle rock to melt and form magma.
At divergent boundaries, two plates move apart from each other and the space that this creates is filled with new crustal material sourced from molten magma that forms below.
When divergent boundaries are associated with submarine eruptions and intrusions of rhyolitic magma, it can lead to the formation of new oceanic crust. Rhyolitic magma is rich in silica and tends to be more viscous, resulting in explosive eruptions that can build underwater volcanoes and contribute to seafloor spreading. The cooling and solidification of this magma at the boundaries can create hydrothermal vents and mineral deposits that support unique ecosystems.
Divergent boundaries form ocean ridges.
Beneath the Earth's crust is a lot of magma. Thus as the plates pull apart, it leaves a gap through which the magma can travel and erupt as lava. For example at the Mid Atlantic Ridge, there are divergent plate boundaries. The 'gap' between the divorcing plates allows magma to boil through, building up the ridge in the process.
divergent boundaries
Plates are moved at a divergent boundary by the magma pushing upwards.
divergent
A rift zone on land, a mid ocean ridge under the ocean.
divergent boundaries happen when 2 plates move apart or divide
At divergent boundaries, two plates move apart from each other and the space that this creates is filled with new crustal material sourced from molten magma that forms below.
Usually a dense basaltic magma with low water content.
Hot mantle rock rises to fill rift zones. When rock rises, a decrease in pressure causes hot mantle rock to melt and form magma.
At divergent boundaries, two plates move apart from each other and the space that this creates is filled with new crustal material sourced from molten magma that forms below.
When divergent boundaries are associated with submarine eruptions and intrusions of rhyolitic magma, it can lead to the formation of new oceanic crust. Rhyolitic magma is rich in silica and tends to be more viscous, resulting in explosive eruptions that can build underwater volcanoes and contribute to seafloor spreading. The cooling and solidification of this magma at the boundaries can create hydrothermal vents and mineral deposits that support unique ecosystems.