Evidence shows how Earth's tectonic plates have moved great distances throughout Earth's long geologic history.
Divergent Plate Boundaries
When plates spread apart generally along mid-ocean ridges deep within the ocean floor causing sea-floor spreading.
Cause
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Effect
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Mid-Ocean Ridges
The mid-ocean ridge is the most extensive chain of mountains on Earth, stretching nearly 40,390 miles.
The mid-ocean ridge is the most extensive chain of mountains on Earth, stretching nearly 40,390 miles.
Continental Crust vs. Oceanic Crust Plate Tectonic Interactions
As we will continue learn during this module the types of geologic activities and landforms that are created on Earth's surface depend not only on the type of plate boundary such as a divergent plate boundary, but also the type of crust that is interacting along that plate boundary.
1. Oceanic Crust <-- --> Oceanic Crust
Divergent Plate Boundary
2. Continental Crust <-- --> Continental Crust
Divergent Plate Boundary
Land-Forms
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Video Guide:
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Video Guide:
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Topic Tips
- Divergent plate boundaries are where plates spread apart to create new crust.