Answer:
Divergent plate boundaries are characterized by tectonic plates moving away from each other. This movement is caused by convection currents in the mantle. Magma rises from the mantle at these boundaries, creating new oceanic crust or filling the gap in continental rifts. As the magma cools and solidifies, it forms new crust, pushing the plates apart and creating a divergent boundary.
Step-by-step explanation:
At divergent plate boundaries, convection currents in the mantle cause magma to rise. This magma cools and solidifies, forming new crust. As more magma rises, it pushes the existing plates apart. This process is driven by the heat from the Earth's interior, leading to the movement of tectonic plates away from each other. Divergent boundaries are commonly found along mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust is formed as plates pull away from each other, creating underwater mountain ranges and rift valleys.