What are Two Things that Occur in Divergent Boundaries?
Divergent boundaries are areas where two tectonic plates are moving away from each other at a rate of more than 3-4 cm per year. These boundaries are characterized by a zone of extension, where the Earth’s crust is being stretched and thinned. The movement of these plates can lead to the formation of new crust, the creation of mountain ranges, and the generation of earthquakes.
What are the Two Things that Occur in Divergent Boundaries?
Here are two things that occur in divergent boundaries:
- New Crust Formation: One of the primary effects of divergent boundaries is the formation of new crust. As the plates move apart, magma rises from the mantle to fill the gap, and it solidifies to form new crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading. The new crust is lighter than the surrounding crust and sinks to the ocean floor, creating a zone of extension.
- Mountain Building: Another significant effect of divergent boundaries is the formation of mountains. As the plates move apart, the Earth’s crust is stretched and thinned, causing the rocks to be pushed upwards to form mountains. This process is known as orogenesis. The Himalayan mountain range, for example, is a result of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates.
Key Features of Divergent Boundaries
Here are some key features of divergent boundaries:
- Extension Zone: The area between the two plates is characterized by extension, where the Earth’s crust is being stretched and thinned.
- Magma Generation: Magma rises from the mantle to fill the gap between the plates, and it solidifies to form new crust.
- Seafloor Spreading: The new crust is formed as the magma rises to fill the gap, and it solidifies to form new oceanic crust.
- Volcanic Activity: Divergent boundaries are often associated with volcanic activity, as magma rises to the surface and erupts as lava.
Types of Divergent Boundaries
There are several types of divergent boundaries, including:
- Oceanic Divergence: This occurs when two oceanic plates are moving apart, resulting in the formation of new oceanic crust.
- Continental Divergence: This occurs when two continental plates are moving apart, resulting in the formation of new crust and the creation of mountain ranges.
- Subduction Zone: This occurs when one plate is being forced beneath another, resulting in the formation of a volcanic arc and the creation of a chain of volcanoes.
Examples of Divergent Boundaries
Here are some examples of divergent boundaries:
- Mid-Atlantic Ridge: This is the longest mountain range in the world, stretching over 65,000 km from the Arctic to the Antarctic.
- Himalayan Mountain Range: This mountain range is a result of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates.
- Andean Mountain Range: This mountain range is a result of the subduction of the Nazca plate beneath the South American plate.
Conclusion
Divergent boundaries are areas where two tectonic plates are moving away from each other at a rate of more than 3-4 cm per year. These boundaries are characterized by the formation of new crust, the creation of mountains, and the generation of earthquakes. The two things that occur in divergent boundaries are new crust formation and mountain building. Key features of divergent boundaries include extension, magma generation, seafloor spreading, and volcanic activity. There are several types of divergent boundaries, including oceanic divergence, continental divergence, and subduction zone. Examples of divergent boundaries include the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Himalayan mountain range, and the Andean mountain range.
Table: Comparison of Divergent Boundaries
| Feature | Mid-Atlantic Ridge | Himalayan Mountain Range | Andean Mountain Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plate Movement | Oceanic plates moving apart | Continental plates moving apart | Continental plates moving apart |
| Magma Generation | Magma rises to fill the gap | Magma rises to fill the gap | Magma rises to fill the gap |
| Seafloor Spreading | New oceanic crust forming | New crust forming | New crust forming |
| Volcanic Activity | Volcanic eruptions | Volcanic eruptions | Volcanic eruptions |
| Mountain Building | Mountain range formation | Mountain range formation | Mountain range formation |
| Plate Types | Oceanic and continental | Oceanic and continental | Continental |
References
- National Geographic: "Divergent Boundaries"
- Scientific American: "The Mid-Atlantic Ridge"
- Geological Society of America: "Himalayan Mountain Range"
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: "Andean Mountain Range"