Two types of Divergent Plate Boundaries

Summary

Divergent plate boundaries, where tectonic plates drift apart, are driven by rising convection currents and magma that forms new crust. The script explains two types: continental and oceanic. Oceanic boundaries, exemplified by the mid-ocean ridge, create new oceanic crust, while continental boundaries, like the East African Rift Valley and the Red Sea, showcase the transition from continental to oceanic boundaries. This educational overview from moomoomath and science offers daily insights into the dynamic Earth's crust.

Takeaways

• 🌌 Divergent plate boundaries are where tectonic plates move away from each other, driven by rising convection currents.
• 🌋 These boundaries are characterized by the upward movement of magma, which pushes against the lithosphere and flows laterally beneath it.
• 📚 The lateral flow of magma causes the plates to move apart in opposite directions, creating a gap that is filled with new crust.
• 🏞 New crust formation makes divergent boundaries constructive, as opposed to destructive boundaries where crust is consumed.
• 🗺️ The map of major tectonic plates reveals several divergent boundaries, indicating their global significance.
• 🌊 Oceanic and oceanic divergent boundaries are where two oceanic plates move apart, leading to seafloor spreading.
• 🌐 The mid-ocean ridge, a common example of this type, stretches around the world and can be seen in red on maps.
• 🏝️ The mid-ocean ridge is also visible on land, running through Iceland, demonstrating how it forms new oceanic crust and lithosphere.
• 🏜️ Continental and continental divergent boundaries occur when two continental plates separate, as seen in the East African Rift Valley.
• 🌊 The Red Sea is another example of a continental and continental boundary, formed by the divergence between the African and Arabian plates.
• 🔄 The Red Sea's formation illustrates the transition from a continental and continental to a continental and oceanic plate boundary.

Q & A

What are divergent plate boundaries?

Divergent plate boundaries occur where two tectonic plates move away from each other, typically above rising convection currents. This movement is facilitated by magma pushing up and flowing laterally beneath the lithosphere.

What causes the plates to move apart at divergent boundaries?

The rising magma from convection currents pushes up on the bottom of the lithosphere, causing a lateral flow which in turn moves the plates apart in the direction of the flow.

Why are divergent boundaries considered constructive boundaries?

Divergent boundaries are constructive because new crust is formed as the plates move apart. Molten magma fills the gap, creating new crust and lithosphere.

What are the two major types of divergent boundaries?

The two major types of divergent boundaries are continental and continental lithosphere boundaries, and oceanic and oceanic lithosphere boundaries.

Where does seafloor spreading primarily occur?

Seafloor spreading primarily occurs at oceanic and oceanic divergent boundaries, most notably along the mid-ocean ridge.

What is the mid-ocean ridge, and how is it related to divergent boundaries?

The mid-ocean ridge is a large underwater mountain range formed by the divergence of two oceanic plates. It is where new oceanic crust and lithosphere are created as a result of magma rising and spreading out.

How does the mid-ocean ridge appear on a map of tectonic plates?

On a map of tectonic plates, the mid-ocean ridge appears as a continuous, often red-colored line that stretches around the world, indicating areas of seafloor spreading.

What is an example of a continental and continental divergent boundary?

The East African Rift Valley is an example of a continental and continental divergent boundary, where two plates of continental lithosphere are moving away from each other.

How was the Red Sea formed?

The Red Sea was formed by the divergence between the African plate and the Arabian plate, which started as a continental and continental divergent boundary and transitioned to a continental and oceanic plate boundary.

What is the significance of the Iceland location in relation to divergent boundaries?

Iceland is significant because it lies on the mid-ocean ridge, which is a divergent boundary where the Eurasian plate and the North American plate are moving apart, allowing for volcanic activity and the creation of new crust.

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