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Cross-section of a deep ocean rift zone with rising magma between tectonic plates.

Cross-section of a deep ocean rift zone with rising magma between tectonic plates.

At the divergent boundary between the Juan de Fuca Plate and Pacific Plate, a brand-new structure called the “Seafloor Flapjack” is formed. As the two plates slowly move apart, magma rises up, cools down, and spreads out to create new oceanic crust. Over millions of years, this “flapjack” of rock grows wider, shaping the seafloor. See more