Question

At a divergent boundary, what feature forms

when two oceanic plates are involved? when two continental plates are involved?
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Answer 1

At divergent boundaries, the formation of mid-ocean ridges occurs with oceanic plates, while continental rifting leading to rift valleys and new basins occurs with continental plates.

Step-by-step explanation:

At divergent boundaries, different geological features form depending on whether the tectonic plates involved are oceanic or continental. When two oceanic plates move apart, the decreased pressure in the underlying mantle allows for magma to be produced, leading to the formation of mid-ocean ridges. This process results in mafic igneous rocks and can lead to the creation of new oceanic crust and ophiolites. Conversely, when two continental plates diverge, the process is known as continental rifting. This rifting can eventually split a continental mass into separate landmasses, forming features such as rift valleys and, potentially, new, smaller ocean basins.