Spreading Boundaries
Description: At these boundaries, the plates move AWAY from each other! That is why they are also called "divergent boundaries." Diverge means to spread apart.
In the ocean, when the 2 plates spread apart, hot molten material (magma) rises up between them to form NEW OCEAN CRUST! An example of this boundary is found along the MID-OCEAN RIDGE where sea-floor spreading is occuring (the floor of the sea is actually spreading apart!!).
On land (the continental crust), when the plates spread apart they create RIFT VALLEYS like the one found in north eastern Africa.