Mid-oceanic ridges are found at which type of plate boundary?

Master Plate Tectonics Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, including hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam efficiently!

Mid-oceanic ridges are primarily associated with divergent plate boundaries, where tectonic plates are moving away from each other. This movement allows magma from the mantle to rise and fill the gap, leading to the formation of new oceanic crust. As the plates separate, volcanic activity is common, resulting in the characteristic underwater mountain ranges known as mid-oceanic ridges. This process also contributes to seafloor spreading, where new material continuously adds to the ocean floor, making it an active region of tectonic activity.

In contrast, transform plate boundaries involve plates sliding past each other, which does not lead to the formation of ridges. Convergent plate boundaries occur where plates collide, often resulting in subduction zones or mountain ranges, but not mid-oceanic ridges. Passive margins occur where there is little tectonic activity, typically found along continental edges where continents transition to ocean basins without significant interaction between plates. Thus, mid-oceanic ridges are distinctly linked to divergent boundaries.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy