Question

10 multiple choice 1 point
base your answer to the following question on the cross section of two crustal plates and the boundary between them shown below. the arrows indicate the direction of rock movement.
the mid - oceanic ridge portion of this cross section best represents
convergence of the nazca plate and the south american plate
divergence of the african plate and the south american plate
subduction of the philippine plate by the china plate
transform faulting between the pacific plate and the north american plate

Explanation:

• Convergence: Occurs when plates move towards each other. At mid - oceanic ridges, plates move apart, so the option about convergence (Nazca and South American Plates) is incorrect.
• Subduction: Happens at convergent boundaries where one plate is forced under another. Mid - oceanic ridges are not subduction zones (Philippine and China Plates option is wrong).
• Transform faulting: Involves plates sliding past each other. Mid - oceanic ridges are not transform boundaries (Pacific and North American Plates option is wrong).
• Divergence: At mid - oceanic ridges, magma rises to create new crust as plates (e.g., African and South American Plates at the Mid - Atlantic Ridge) move apart.

Answer:

divergence of the African Plate and the South American Plate