Divergent Boundary

 

Divergent Ocean/Ocean Boundary

Two ocean plates are moving away from each other, characterized by a Mid-Ocean Ridge.

Geographic Features: undersea mountain range with rift in the center, basalt flows

Geologic Effects:  shallow focus earthquakes, undersea volcanoes

Example: Mid-Atlantic Ridge 

 

 

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 Divergent Continent/Continent Boundary

Two continental plates are moving away from each other characterized by a rift zone.

Geographic Features: volcanic mountain range with a rift valley in the center, basalt flows

Geologic Effects: shallow focus earthquakes, volcanism (non-explosive)

Example: East African Rift or Iceland