Plate Tectonics: Is it possible to have an ocean-continent divergent boundary

Asked by: Robert Folsom

Unlike convergent boundariesconvergent boundariesA convergent plate boundary is a location where two tectonic plates are moving toward each other, often causing one plate to slide below the other (in a process known as subduction). The collision of tectonic plates can result in earthquakes, volcanoes, the formation of mountains, and other geological events.

Why is ocean continent divergence not possible?

The oceanic plates are themselves formed from the divergent boundary, so probably not. Even if a new rifting occurred exactly at the boundary, the result would eventually be that the ocean floor surrounds the divergent boundary. A very simplified model of an ocean would have a divergent boundary in the middle.

What happens at a oceanic continental divergent boundary?

A divergent boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other. Along these boundaries, earthquakes are common and magma (molten rock) rises from the Earth’s mantle to the surface, solidifying to create new oceanic crust.

Can a divergent boundary occur within a continent?

A divergent plate boundary can also occur within a continent. This is called continental rifting. Magma rises beneath the continent. The crust thins, breaks, and then splits apart.

Can a tectonic plate be both oceanic and continental?

The fact that the plates include both crustal material and lithospheric mantle material makes it possible for a single plate to be made up of both oceanic and continental crust. For example, the North American Plate includes most of North America, plus half of the northern Atlantic Ocean.

Is oceanic continental divergence possible?

Divergent boundaries exist where tectonic plates move apart from each other. Unlike convergent boundaries, divergence occurs between only oceanic or only continental plates, not one of each.

Is it impossible for a continental and an oceanic plate to diverge and drift?

False, because the correct statement is: It is possible for a continental and an oceanic plate to diverge and drift.

Where can divergent boundaries be found?

mid-ocean oceanic ridges

Divergent boundaries are spreading boundaries, where new oceanic crust is created to fill in the space as the plates move apart. Most divergent boundaries are located along mid-ocean oceanic ridges (although some are on land).

Where do divergent boundaries occur?

Divergent boundaries occur along spreading centers where plates are moving apart and new crust is created by magma pushing up from the mantle. Picture two giant conveyor belts, facing each other but slowly moving in opposite directions as they transport newly formed oceanic crust away from the ridge crest.

What places have divergent boundaries?

Well known ocean ridges include the Mid Atlantic Ridge, the East Pacific Rise, the Juan de Fuca Ridge, and the Galapagos Rise. Within continents, divergent margins produce rift valleys such as the Red Sea and East African Rifts; and the lesser known West Antarctic Rift.

When an oceanic and a continental plate meet what is formed?

At a convergent plate boundary, when one plate is oceanic, there are large volcanoes. These volcanoes are found in lines that outline the subduction zone. Earthquakes also happen in these zones. Subduction of an oceanic plate beneath a continental plate forms a line of volcanoes known as a continental arc.

What happens when oceanic and continental plates collide?

Plates Subduct When an ocean plate collides with another ocean plate or with a plate carrying continents, one plate will bend and slide under the other. This process is called subduction. A deep ocean trench forms at this subduction boundary.

What happens at an oceanic continental convergent boundary?

At a convergent boundary between oceanic and continental lithosphere, the oceanic plate will always subduct, which will cause earthquakes and form volcanic arcs.

What happens when an oceanic plate converges with a continental plate quizlet?

What happens when an oceanic plate converges with a continental plate? The oceanic plate is subducted.

What happens at an oceanic continental convergent boundary?

At a convergent boundary between oceanic and continental lithosphere, the oceanic plate will always subduct, which will cause earthquakes and form volcanic arcs.

Where oceanic plate converges with a continental plate What are you likely to find?

When an oceanic plate converges with a continental plate, the oceanic crust will always subduct under the continental crust; this is because oceanic crust is naturally denser. Convergent boundaries are commonly associated with larger earthquakes and higher volcanic activity.

What happens when two plates carrying oceanic crust collide?

Answer and Explanation: When two plates carrying oceanic crust collide, the plate carrying older oceanic crust will be forced below the other in a process called subduction. Subduction describes the downward movement of one plate beneath another.

When an oceanic plate slides under a continental plate what is usually formed?

At a convergent plate boundary, when one plate is oceanic, there are large volcanoes. These volcanoes are found in lines that outline the subduction zone. Earthquakes also happen in these zones. Subduction of an oceanic plate beneath a continental plate forms a line of volcanoes known as a continental arc.

What geologic processes takes place with the convergence of two oceanic plates?

If two tectonic plates collide, they form a convergent plate boundary. Usually, one of the converging plates will move beneath the other, a process known as subduction. Deep trenches are features often formed where tectonic plates are being subducted and earthquakes are common at subduction zones as well.