Question in respect of plate tectonics?

Question

Do divergent plates move apart allowing magma to come to the surface or does magma come to the surface forcing the plates apart?

Answer 1

This is actually still up for debate. Early thinking was for ridge push. This means the magma would force its way up and push the ridges apart. More common thinking now is for slab pull. Becaue of the density of the plates, the subducting slabs pull the plates and cause the ridge to pulll, which leaves a space which is filled by rising magma.

Answer 2

They move apart and the magma comes to the surface

Answer 3

Often when one plate is forced under another (subduction) the silt and sea water dragged under can heat up and become molten enough to rise up through the crust as magma. There are several other scenarios (hot spots, etc.) that create magma.

Answer 4

The former, but the magma cools before it reaches the surface.

Answer 5

very confusing situation. check out into google or bing. that will could actually help!

Answer 6

The latter, and the rupture can occur along much of the plate line, so it arises in one location that is miles from where the effects are felt.

Answer 7

Slow and gradual plate tectonics has a number of problems.
It likely happened quickly, and has now virtually stopped

Answer 8

In nature, nothing is impossible. At least, the two possibilities, which you mention, in your question. What's there to prevent any one of the two (or , even both simultaneously!) from happening?

Answer 9

Both.