The Mid-Atlantic Ridge in the Atlantic Ocean is the site of the largest mountain range in the world. It runs all the way from the Arctic Ocean to the southern tip of Africa.

Part A:
Because of movements at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Atlantic Ocean widens by about 2.5 centimeters each year. Explain which type of plate boundary causes this motion.



Answer :

Final answer:

Divergent boundaries at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge lead to the widening of the Atlantic Ocean. This occurs through the creation of new oceanic crust in a process called seafloor spreading at a divergent plate boundary.


Explanation:

Divergent boundaries at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge cause the widening of the Atlantic Ocean by about 2.5 centimeters each year. As plates move apart, new oceanic crust is created, leading to seafloor spreading. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a prime example of a divergent plate boundary, where molten rock material emerges as the North American and Eurasian plates slowly drift apart.


Learn more about plate tectonics