Question

question 19(multiple choice worth 3 points)
(03.02 mc)
what happens when tectonic plates move away from each other?
molten matter cools and sinks towards the core.
lava travels away from the crust and forms the mantle.
molten matter seeps through the crust and forms new land.
lava seeps into the ground through the cracks in the ground.

Explanation:

When tectonic plates move apart (divergent boundary), magma (molten matter) rises from the mantle. It seeps through the crust (as the plates separate, there are gaps). As the magma cools and solidifies, it forms new crust (new land in the form of mid - ocean ridges etc.).

• Option 1: Molten matter rises, not cools and sinks towards the core at divergent boundaries.
• Option 2: Lava (on - surface magma) does not form the mantle. The mantle is below the crust.
• Option 4: Lava comes out onto the surface (to form new crust) at divergent boundaries, not seeps into the ground.

Answer:

Molten matter seeps through the crust and forms new land.