New ocean basins are formed at divergent boundaries through two initial processes: upwarping and rifting. At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move away from each other, creating a gap or rift between them.
The first process, upwarping, refers to the upward movement of the Earth's crust along the boundary. This upwarping occurs due to the underlying mantle material pushing against the crust, causing it to rise.
As the crust uplifts, tension forces develop, leading to the second process, which is known as rifting. Rifting involves the stretching and thinning of the crust, causing it to fracture and break apart.
This process creates a gap or rift valley, allowing magma from the underlying mantle to rise and fill the gap.
As the magma solidifies and forms new crust, it creates a continuous process of seafloor spreading, leading to the formation of new ocean basins.
Therefore, the initial processes of upwarping and rifting are essential for the creation of new ocean basins at divergent boundaries.
Learn more about ocean basins here :
https://brainly.com/question/32251459
#SPJ11