Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

Which geological feature forms where two tectonic plates move apart?

1. Rift Valley

2. Mountain Range

3. Subduction Zone

4. Trench

The correct answer is: Rift Valley

The rift valley is formed at divergent boundaries where two tectonic plates move away from each other. This movement allows magma from the mantle to rise and solidify, creating new crust as the plates separate. As the plates pull apart, the land between them can sink, forming a valley. Rift valleys are often characterized by steep walls and can lead to the formation of linear lakes and volcanic activity in the region. This process of divergence is critical in the cycle of plate tectonics, contributing to the creation of ocean basins and continental features over geological time. In contrast, mountain ranges typically form at convergent boundaries where tectonic plates collide, while subduction zones occur when one plate is forced under another. Trenches are also associated with subduction zones, resulting from the downward movement of an oceanic plate beneath a continental or another oceanic plate. These different geological features stem from distinct tectonic activities and demonstrate the dynamic nature of Earth's surface.