Question

Discuss the major landforms developed at the divergent plate boundaries with diagram.

Hint:

{Key Landforms:}

• {Oceanic:} Mid-oceanic ridges, rift valleys, volcanic islands
• {Continental:} Rift valleys, fault blocks, volcanic peaks
• Process: Plates move apart → magma rises → new crust forms

Answer 1

Divergent Plate Boundaries

Divergent plate boundaries are zones where tectonic plates move away from each other. They are also called constructive plate margins because new crust is formed through volcanic activity. These boundaries occur in both oceanic and continental regions.

Major Landforms:

• Mid-Oceanic Ridges
  • Underwater mountain ranges formed by rising magma.
  • Example: $\text{Mid-Atlantic Ridge}$
  • New oceanic crust is formed by seafloor spreading.
• Rift Valleys
  • Formed due to stretching and fracturing of continental crust.
  • Example: $\text{East African Rift Valley}$
  • Characterized by steep sides and flat floors.
• Horst and Graben Structures
  • Graben: Down-dropped block forming a valley.
  • Horst: Uplifted block forming a ridge.

Process of Formation:

• Upwelling of Magma: Hot magma rises due to mantle convection.
• Crustal Stretching: Plates move apart creating tension.
• Volcanic Activity: Magma erupts and forms new crust.
• Continuous Spreading: Ocean basins widen over time.