Which of the following best describes the area where new crust is being created at a divergent plate boundary?

• A. Transform fault
• B. Continental shelf
• C. Subduction zone
• D. Mid-ocean ridge

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of plate tectonics: Plate tectonics is the theory explaining the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates. Divergent plate boundaries occur where two plates move away from each other, allowing magma to rise and create new crust.
2. Identify the key feature of divergent plate boundaries: At these boundaries, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap between the separating plates, solidifying to form new crust. This process typically occurs underwater.
3. Learn about mid-ocean ridges: Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed by the upwelling of magma at divergent plate boundaries. They are the primary locations where new oceanic crust is created.
4. Differentiate between the terms provided: A transform fault involves plates sliding past each other, a continental shelf is a submerged edge of a continent, and a subduction zone is where one plate is forced under another. None of these describe the creation of new crust at a divergent boundary.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is 'Mid-ocean ridge,' as it specifically refers to the area where new crust is formed at divergent plate boundaries.