Which tectonic process is responsible for the formation of new oceanic crust?

The formation of new oceanic crust is primarily associated with divergence, specifically at mid-ocean ridges. This tectonic process occurs when tectonic plates move apart from one another, allowing magma from the mantle to rise to the surface. As the magma cools and solidifies, it forms new oceanic crust.

At mid-ocean ridges, where divergence takes place, we see a continuous process of crust creation. As the plates separate, the pressure decreases, enabling the molten rock to escape and erupt, thereby forming new crust. This process is vital for the renewal of the ocean floor and plays a significant role in the global cycling of oceanic and continental materials.

Subduction describes the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, which does not contribute to the formation of new crust. Rifting involves the splitting of landmasses, which can create new crust in continental contexts but does not specifically relate to oceanic crust formation. Convergence describes the collision of tectonic plates, often resulting in one plate being pushed beneath another, which also does not form new oceanic crust. Hence, divergence is the correct answer when discussing the creation of new oceanic crust.