Divergent Boundaries

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

• What is the opposite of two objects converging?

Think about the opposite of a convergent boundary.

• What would happen at this boundary?

The opposite of a convergent boundary is a divergent boundary.

The word diverge means to move in different directions. This is exactly what occurs at a divergent boundary.

Rather than moving toward one another, the tectonic plates move away from one another.

Like convergent boundaries, the effects of a divergent boundary depend on where it takes place.

A divergent boundary that occurs on the ocean floor can create a mid-ocean ridge, or mountain range, along the ocean floor. As the plates pull away from one another, a ridge is formed when magma from within the earth rises to the surface.

The magma does not pour out all over the ocean floor. As the magma rises to the surface, it quickly cools, forming a new layer of rock.

One of the most well-known examples of a divergent boundary is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Explore the resource to learn more about it, and watch a video to see how the boundary was formed.

Divergent boundaries that form on land create rifts, or cracks, in the earth. If the rift occurs near a body of water, it can fill with water. Other times, magma rises to the earth's surface, creating a volcano.

Watch the video below to see a fissure eruption.

• Can you see the rift created by the divergent boundary?

Read about Divergent Plate Boundaries to learn more.

Look at the map above.

• Where do you see examples of divergent boundaries?
• Is there an increase in earthquakes in these locations?
• Do you live near a divergent boundary?

Continue to the Got It? section to prepare for a hands-on project.