What is a well-known example of a divergent boundary?

Study for the Aquatic Science Plate Tectonics Test. Explore comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each accompanied by insights and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

A divergent boundary occurs where two tectonic plates move away from each other. This movement allows magma from below the Earth's surface to rise and create new crust, typically seen in mid-ocean ridges. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a prime example of this process, as it is located beneath the Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by the formation of new oceanic crust as the North American and Eurasian plates, as well as the South American and African plates, move apart.

As these plates separate, volcanic activity and earthquakes can occur, creating new seafloor and contributing to the expansion of the ocean basin over geological time. This phenomenon exemplifies the processes at a divergent boundary, making the Mid-Atlantic Ridge a well-documented and recognized case in plate tectonics studies.

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