Final answer:
New sections of the Earth's crust are formed through plate tectonics, which involve the movement of tectonic plates. When plates diverge, new crust is formed as magma rises to fill the gap. When plates converge, one plate is forced beneath the other, creating magma that can result in volcanic activity and the formation of new crust.
Step-by-step explanation:
New sections of the Earth's crust are formed through a process called plate tectonics. The Earth's crust is divided into several large plates that float on the semi-fluid layer known as the asthenosphere. When these plates interact, they can either collide, move apart, or slide past each other. When plates diverge, new crust is formed as magma rises to fill the gap. An example of this is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where new crust is constantly being formed as the North American and Eurasian plates move apart.
On the other hand, when plates converge, one plate is forced beneath the other in a process called subduction. As the subducting plate sinks into the mantle, it melts, creating magma. This magma can then rise and form new crust through volcanic activity. The Pacific Ring of Fire is an example of a region where new crust is formed through volcanic activity as several tectonic plates converge.
Learn more about formation of the Earth's crust