EarthRef.org Digital Archive (ERDA) -- Image of a Divergent Boundary

EarthRef.org Digital Archive (ERDA)
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Detailed File Information

Image of a Divergent Boundary

File Name	m00017.img.303.divergent.boundary.jpg
Data Type	model cartoon
Computer Program	Adobe Illustrator CS2
File Size	264.00 KB - 2 files [ jpg,pdf ]
Expert Level	Middle School (Grade 6-8)
Contributor	ERESE Database Team
Source	Enduring Resources for Earth Science Education (ERESE)
Resource Matrix	Divergent Plate Boundaries

Description
The figure shows how magma rises at the center of the divergent boundary, also called a mid-ocean ridge, creating new oceanic crust. The newly created crust is pulled from the ridge on each side due to tension forces from the magma within the mantle that pulls the crust away.