Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a mid-ocean divergent plate boundary?

• A. Frequent shallow earthquakes
• B. Presence of a mid-ocean ridge
• C. Formation of new oceanic crust
• D. Subduction of one plate beneath another

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of a mid-ocean divergent plate boundary: These boundaries occur where tectonic plates move away from each other, allowing magma to rise and form new oceanic crust. This process is associated with specific geological features and phenomena.
2. Review the characteristics of mid-ocean divergent plate boundaries: They typically include frequent shallow earthquakes due to the movement of plates, the presence of a mid-ocean ridge formed by rising magma, and the creation of new oceanic crust as magma solidifies.
3. Clarify the concept of subduction: Subduction occurs at convergent plate boundaries, where one plate is forced beneath another. This is fundamentally different from the process at divergent boundaries, where plates move apart rather than colliding.
4. Compare the options provided in the question: Identify which characteristics align with mid-ocean divergent plate boundaries (frequent shallow earthquakes, mid-ocean ridge, formation of new oceanic crust) and which do not (subduction of one plate beneath another).
5. Conclude that subduction is NOT a characteristic of mid-ocean divergent plate boundaries, as it is a feature of convergent boundaries instead.