Which of the following is an 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 when two tectonic plates move away from each other, resulting in the creation of new oceanic crust as magma rises to the surface and solidifies. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a prime example of this process. It is an underwater mountain range formed by the divergence of the Eurasian Plate and the North American Plate on one side, and the South American Plate and the African Plate on the other side.

As these plates separate, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap, creating new crust and causing volcanic activity. This is a fundamental aspect of plate tectonics that contributes to the shaping of the ocean floor and can lead to the formation of features such as rift valleys and ocean basins.

In contrast, the Himalayan Mountains are formed by the collision of two continental plates, the San Andreas Fault is a transform boundary where plates slide past each other, and the Andes Mountains are formed by the subduction of one tectonic plate beneath another. Each of these examples illustrates different tectonic processes compared to the diverging plates found at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

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