SOLAR SYSTEM

Detailed explanation-1: -Mid-ocean ridges occur along divergent plate boundaries, where new ocean floor is created as the Earth’s tectonic plates spread apart. As the plates separate, molten rock rises to the seafloor, producing enormous volcanic eruptions of basalt.

Detailed explanation-2: -Most divergent boundaries are located along mid-ocean oceanic ridges (although some are on land). The mid-ocean ridge system is a giant undersea mountain range, and is the largest geological feature on Earth; at 65, 000 km long and about 1000 km wide, it covers 23% of Earth’s surface (Figure 4.5. 1).

Detailed explanation-3: -This is may happen because of the difference in density of the oceanic plate and the mantle, the former being much denser. Where do mid-ocean ridges form? Divergent boundaries are places where plates pull apart from each other.

Detailed explanation-4: -Divergent boundaries in the middle of the ocean contribute to seafloor spreading. As plates made of oceanic crust pull apart, a crack in the ocean floor appears. Magma then oozes up from the mantle to fill in the space between the plates, forming a raised ridge called a mid-ocean ridge.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is an example of divergent boundaries where new plate material is made. One area of plate divergence is seen at the mid-oceanic ridges. This is referred to as sea-floor spreading.

Detailed explanation-6: -Perhaps the best known of the divergent boundaries is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This submerged mountain range, which extends from the Arctic Ocean to beyond the southern tip of Africa, is but one segment of the global mid-ocean ridge system that encircles the Earth.