Where are divergent boundaries primarily found?

• A. Mid-ocean ridges and the East Africa Rift Zone
• B. Subduction zones and island arcs
• C. Continental interior regions with little seismicity
• D. Transform faults at continental margins

Answer: (A)

Divergent boundaries are places where tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and form new crust. The most extensive examples occur along mid-ocean ridges, where seafloor spreading continuously adds new lithosphere. There are also continental divergent zones, such as the East Africa Rift, where a continent is being pulled apart. This combination—new crust forming at spreading centers in oceans and rift zones on continents—defines where divergent boundaries are found. In contrast, subduction zones and island arcs are associated with convergent boundaries, transform faults involve lateral sliding, and continental interiors with little seismicity aren’t plate boundaries. So the best answer is mid-ocean ridges and the East Africa Rift Zone.