Question

which of the following statements about the earths crustal plates, which is correct? transform faults are where crust is subducted. new lithosphere is formed at divergent plate boundaries. oceans are not underlain by plates but by bowls. oceanic plates are comprised of much older rocks than continental plates.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• "Transform faults are where crust is subducted." → Transform faults involve plates sliding past each other, not subduction (subduction occurs at convergent boundaries), so this is incorrect.
• "New lithosphere is formed at divergent plate boundaries." → At divergent boundaries (e.g., mid - ocean ridges), magma rises and solidifies to form new lithosphere, this is correct.
• "Oceans are not underlain by plates but by bowls." → Oceans are underlain by oceanic plates, so this is incorrect.
• "Oceanic plates are comprised of much older rocks than continental plates." → Continental plates have older rocks (some continental rocks are billions of years old, while oceanic plates are recycled more quickly and have younger rocks), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. New lithosphere is formed at divergent plate boundaries.