What happens to the plates at divergent plate boundaries?plates slide apartplates pull apartplates collide

At divergent plate boundaries, the plates pull apart. This happens due to the movement of the Earth's crust and upper mantle, also known as the lithosphere. Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. The Earth's lithosphere is broken up into a series of large and small tectonic plates. These plates are constantly moving, albeit very slowly.

2. Divergent boundaries occur where these plates are moving away from each other. This is often caused by upwelling of magma from the mantle.

3. As the magma rises, it cools and solidifies to form new crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading when it happens under the ocean.

4. The creation of new crust pushes the plates apart. This can cause rift valleys to form on continents and mid-ocean ridges under the sea.

5. Over time, the movement of these plates can lead to the formation of new oceans, seas, and other geographical features.

So, in summary, at divergent plate boundaries, the plates pull apart due to the upwelling of magma and the creation of new crust.