What characterizes a divergent tectonic plate boundary?

A divergent tectonic plate boundary is characterized by the movement of tectonic plates away from each other. This process occurs primarily along mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust is formed as magma rises from the mantle, cools, and solidifies. As the plates separate, they create a gap that allows magma to fill, causing the seafloor to spread. This movement can lead to geological phenomena such as rift valleys and volcanic activity associated with the formation of new crust.

In contrast to other types of boundaries—such as convergent boundaries, where plates move toward each other and can create mountains or deep ocean trenches, and transform boundaries, where plates slide past one another creating fractures and earthquakes—the unique feature of divergent boundaries is the creation of new material as the plates diverge. Understanding the processes and characteristics of divergent boundaries is crucial for comprehending tectonic activities and the geological evolution of the Earth's surface.