Which type of plate boundary moves apart from one another?

• A. Convergent
• B. Transform
• C. Subduction
• D. Divergent

Answer: (D)

Divergent boundaries are where tectonic plates move apart from one another. When they separate, magma from the mantle can rise into the gap, cool, and form new crust. In the oceans this creates mid-ocean ridges and drives seafloor spreading; on land it can produce rift valleys as the continent splits.

For context, convergent boundaries bring plates together, sometimes causing mountains or one plate being forced beneath another (subduction). Transform boundaries involve plates sliding past each other horizontally, which often triggers earthquakes. Since moving apart is the hallmark of divergent boundaries, that is the type described.