Divergent boundaries are found where tectonic plates are moving away from each other, creating new crust as magma rises to fill the gap. These boundaries occur both in oceanic and continental settings.
Locations of Divergent Boundaries on Earth
Oceanic Divergent Boundaries:
- The most extensive examples are mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust is formed. The key locations include:
- Mid-Atlantic Ridge: This runs down the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, separating the American plates from the Eurasian and African plates. Part of it is exposed above sea level in Iceland, making it a visible example of a divergent boundary on land
* **East Pacific Rise:** Another major mid-ocean ridge located in the Pacific Ocean where plates are spreading apart
* **Red Sea Rift:** Between the African and Arabian plates, where the sea is spreading apart and forming new oceanic crust
Continental Divergent Boundaries:
- These occur where continental plates are pulling apart, forming rift valleys that may eventually become new ocean basins:
- East African Rift Valley: A prominent continental rift where the African Plate is splitting into two smaller plates, the Somalian and Nubian plates. This rifting may eventually lead to the formation of a new ocean
* Other continental rifts can be found where thick continental lithosphere is stretched and fractured, often forming linear valleys and lakes
Summary
- Divergent boundaries are primarily located along mid-ocean ridges such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and East Pacific Rise.
- They also occur in continental rift zones like the East African Rift Valley.
- These boundaries are characterized by seafloor spreading, volcanic activity, and shallow earthquakes as new crust is created
Thus, you can find divergent boundaries:
- Under the oceans at mid-ocean ridges (e.g., Mid-Atlantic Ridge, East Pacific Rise)
- On land at places like Iceland (Mid-Atlantic Ridge exposed) and the East African Rift Valley
