A divergent boundary is a type of tectonic plate boundary where two lithospheric plates are moving away from each other. This movement creates a gap between the plates, allowing magma from the mantle to rise and form new crust. Divergent boundaries are characterized by volcanic activity and the formation of new oceanic crust.


• Plates move apart
• Magma rises and fills the gap
• New crust is formed
• Volcanic activity occurs
• Mostly found in oceanic regions, forming mid-oceanic ridges



A convergent boundary is a type of tectonic plate boundary where two lithospheric plates are moving towards each other. This collision can occur between two oceanic plates, two continental plates, or an oceanic and a continental plate. Convergent boundaries often result in the formation of mountain ranges, volcanic activity, and the subduction of one plate beneath the other.


• Plates collide
• One plate subducts (goes beneath) the other
• Volcanoes and mountain ranges are formed
• Earthquakes are common
• Oceanic trenches can be formed




1. Movement: Plates move apart from each other.
2. Crust Formation: Magma rises and fills the gap, forming new crust.
3. Location: Mostly found in oceanic regions, forming mid-oceanic ridges.
4. Geological Features: Characterized by volcanic activity and the creation of new crust.
5. Examples: Mid-Atlantic Ridge, East African Rift.


1. Movement: Plates collide with each other.
2. Subduction: One plate subducts beneath the other.
3. Geological Features: Formation of mountain ranges, volcanic activity, and earthquakes.
4. Location: Can occur between oceanic-oceanic, oceanic-continental, or continental-continental plates.
5. Examples: Andes Mountains, Himalayas, Aleutian Islands.

In summary, divergent boundaries involve the separation of plates and the creation of new crust, while convergent boundaries involve the collision of plates and the formation of geological features such as mountains and volcanoes.