What geological feature is typically formed at divergent plate boundaries?

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

At divergent plate boundaries, tectonic plates move away from each other, creating space for magma to rise from the mantle. This process leads to the formation of ocean ridges, which are underwater mountain ranges characterized by volcanic activity. As the magma cools and solidifies upon reaching the ocean floor, it creates new crustal material, contributing to the growth of the oceanic lithosphere.

Ocean ridges, such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, exemplify this geological feature, where the plates are actively separating. The volcanic activity at these ridges not only forms new crust but also contributes to hydrothermal vent ecosystems. This process of seafloor spreading is essential for understanding the dynamic nature of Earth's lithosphere. In contrast, other geological features like mountain ranges, volcanoes, and deep-sea trenches are associated with convergent plate boundaries or other geological processes.

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