Question

the diagram below is of the lithosphere (the crust) on the earths surface. the lithosphere sits on top of the mantle, which is hot molten rock, and a convection current in the mantle causes the earths lithosphere to move. 15a. based on the diagram, which letter indicates a place where new plate material is forming? a x b. y c. z

Explanation:

• At divergent plate boundaries, new plate material forms.
• In the diagram, point Z is at the boundary where two plates (Plate 1 and Plate 2) are moving apart. As they move apart, magma from the mantle rises up to fill the gap, creating new lithospheric material.
• Point X is likely a convergent boundary (continent - oceanic plate interaction) where one plate is subducting (being forced under another), not a place for new plate material formation.
• Point Y is just within the ocean basin (on a single plate) and not at a boundary where new material is added.

Answer:

C. Z