definition of divergent plate boundary
Divergent boundary. In plate tectonics, a divergent boundary or divergent plate boundary is a linear feature that exists between two tectonic plates that are moving away from each other. Divergent boundaries within continents initially produce rifts which produce rift valleys.
Introduction. A divergent boundary is an area where two crustal plates are separating. Most of these tectonic plate boundaries are located on the floor of the oceans. The separating plates form rift valleys on the ocean floor where there are weaknesses in the crust. New oceanic crust. The weaknesses in the crust allow molten lava to move toward the Earth's surface on the ocean floors.