Diverging plate boundaries

What are divergent plate boundaries also known as?

Constructive plate boundaries.

What occurs at divergent plate boundaries?

Oceanic plates diverge, moving apart from one another.

Give an example of a divergent boundary.

The boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates.

How do convection currents influence divergent boundaries?

Convection currents rise towards the lithosphere and move away from each other, pulling the plates apart.

What is seafloor spreading?

Seafloor spreading occurs when plates move apart, creating a gap where magma rises and spills out as lava, forming new ocean floor.

What forms as a result of repeated eruptions at divergent boundaries?

A chain of underwater volcanic mountains known as mid-ocean ridges.

How fast do the North American and Eurasian plates move apart?

At a rate of roughly 2.5 cm per year.

What landforms are created when a continental plate is pulled apart?

Rift valleys.

What is an example of a rift valley?

East African rift valley.

What is the temperature of the Earth's core?

Approximately 6,000°C.

What type of rock is formed from the lava that spills out during seafloor spreading?

Basalt rock.

What direction does seafloor spreading occur?

From west to east.

What is the most active volcanic country in the world?

Iceland.