Which statement best describes the typical features at divergent plate boundaries?

• A. Divergent boundaries produce transform faults.
• B. Divergent boundaries produce mid-ocean ridges and volcanic activity with new crust.
• C. Divergent boundaries produce subduction zones.
• D. Divergent boundaries produce mountain belts.

Answer: (B)

When plates move apart, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap, cools, and forms new crust. This creates the hallmark features of divergent boundaries: mid-ocean ridges where long underwater mountain ranges develop, and volcanic activity that builds new crust as the crust continually forms and spreads. Transform faults, subduction zones, and mountain belts arise from other boundary types, not divergence, so the combination of mid-ocean ridges, volcanic activity, and crust creation best describes what happens at divergent boundaries.