Which geological feature typically forms at a divergent boundary?

Which geological feature typically forms at a divergent boundary?

• A. High mountain ranges
• B. Mid-ocean ridges
• C. Deep ocean trenches
• D. Volcanic islands

Answer: (B)

Divergent boundaries are geological features where tectonic plates move apart from each other. This movement allows magma from the mantle to rise up and fill the gap, which typically results in the formation of mid-ocean ridges. These ridges are underwater mountain ranges that can extend for thousands of miles across ocean basins. At mid-ocean ridges, the process of seafloor spreading occurs, where new oceanic crust is created as tectonic plates separate. This geologic activity is characterized by volcanic activity, earthquakes, and the formation of new crust, making mid-ocean ridges a key feature associated with divergent boundaries. The other options represent features formed by different geological processes or at different types of tectonic boundaries. High mountain ranges typically arise from convergent boundaries, where tectonic plates collide. Deep ocean trenches also form at convergent boundaries, primarily in subduction zones, where one plate is forced beneath another. Volcanic islands generally form at hotspot locations or at convergent boundaries rather than as a direct result of divergent activity.

Divergent boundaries are geological features where tectonic plates move apart from each other. This movement allows magma from the mantle to rise up and fill the gap, which typically results in the formation of mid-ocean ridges. These ridges are underwater mountain ranges that can extend for thousands of miles across ocean basins.

At mid-ocean ridges, the process of seafloor spreading occurs, where new oceanic crust is created as tectonic plates separate. This geologic activity is characterized by volcanic activity, earthquakes, and the formation of new crust, making mid-ocean ridges a key feature associated with divergent boundaries.

The other options represent features formed by different geological processes or at different types of tectonic boundaries. High mountain ranges typically arise from convergent boundaries, where tectonic plates collide. Deep ocean trenches also form at convergent boundaries, primarily in subduction zones, where one plate is forced beneath another. Volcanic islands generally form at hotspot locations or at convergent boundaries rather than as a direct result of divergent activity.