Describe the processes which occur at a divergent plate boundary.

At a divergent (constructive) plate boundary, the Earth's plates move apart from one another. Magma originating from the mantle rises to the surface, forming new crust; this process generates convection currents which cause the crust to be pushed apart. An example of this type of plate boundary is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where magma rises to form new oceanic crust on either side of a Mid Ocean Ridge.

CP

Related Geology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?


Describe three styles of tectonic plate movement at plate boundaries.


Why do volcanoes form?


Please describe how, and explain why the texture of an igneous intrusion would change from the outer edge to the centre.