A constructive margin is a geological feature that is formed when two tectonic plates are moving away from each other. This type of margin is characterized by the formation of new crust along the boundary between the two plates, as magma from the mantle rises up to fill the gap created by the separating plates.
Constructive margins are also known as divergent plate boundaries or spreading centers. They can be found in a variety of locations around the world, including along mid-ocean ridges, where the ocean floor is spreading apart and new crust is being formed.
One of the most well-known examples of a constructive margin is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which runs down the center of the Atlantic Ocean. This ridge marks the boundary between the North American and African tectonic plates, and as the plates move apart, magma from the mantle rises up to fill the gap and create new ocean crust.
Constructive margins are an important part of the Earth's tectonic system, as they help to regulate the movement and positioning of the planet's crust. They also play a significant role in the creation and evolution of the planet's landscape, as the movement of the tectonic plates can lead to the formation of mountains, valleys, and other geological features.
In addition to their geological significance, constructive margins can also have practical implications for human activities. For example, the volcanic activity associated with these margins can create geothermal energy sources, and the minerals and other resources found in the newly formed crust can be extracted for economic gain.
Overall, a constructive margin is a dynamic and important feature of the Earth's geology, with both scientific and practical significance. It is the result of the movement of tectonic plates, and plays a key role in shaping the planet's landscape and supporting various human activities.
What is considered as a constructive margin?
In destructive margins of oceanic and continental plate, the oceanic crust is normally highly filled with rocks rich in iron and magnesium rock, but as it rises through granitic continental plates, it may cause partial melting of both mantle rocks and the plate rocks, producing magmas of varying silicity. One of these volcanoes may become so large that it erupts out of the sea to create a volcanic island, e. The shield volcano is a gently sloping volcano that is flat near the top and is built entirely by basic lava. Examples below include the South American Plate and African Plate and the Eurasian Plate and the North American Plate. As they move past each other they often get stuck, building up great pressure until finally they jolt past each other. To the left is the North American plate and to the right the Eurasian plate. Constructive tensional plate margins occur where plates move apart.
Volcanoes at destructive and constructive margins Essay Example
Due to the varying amount and rate of magma released mid-oceanic ridges vary in shape. Therefore when the volcano erupts, there will be violent explosion as ash and act as a medium of transportation for lava and allow the lava to flow over them quickly. The composite volcanoes are typically steep-sided, symmetrical cones of large dimension built of alternating layers of lava flows, volcanic ash, and cinders. Due to friction, the plate gets stuck. The lithosphere is the solid, outer part of the Earth.
Constructive (divergent) margins
Additionally, the lava solidifies in the central pipe, blocking the passage and these built up the pressure in the volcano. At conservative margins, plates slide past each other, so that the relative movement is horizontal, and classified as either sinistral to the left or dextral to the right. As new crust forsm and spreads, transform faults occur at right angles to the plate boundary. At a conservative plate margin, the plates move past each other or are side by side moving at different speeds. Destructive plate margins occur where an oceanic and continental plate move towards each other. At conservative plate margins, tectonic plates slide past each other. In addition to the up to 800 people who lost their lives, there was almost one half of a billion dollars in property and economic damage.
What do constructive plate boundaries cause?
In these places, the oceanic plate is forced, or subducted, under the continental plate. The movement of the plates over the mantle can cause earthquakes. Iceland has been formed as the result of a constructive plate margin. Constructive boundaries are mainly located under the sea, e. Here, chains of underwater volcanoes have formed along the. So the magma is rising up and breaks through the surface, and what happens is after the magma breaks through the surface it starts to cool down and solidify there, creating new land.
