constructive margin

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | 389 words | Copyright

constructive margin (constructive boundary) The zone between two lithospheric plates which are diverging and consequently where new crust is being formed. Constructive plate margins are associated with shallow-focus earthquakes, high heat flow (up to ten times the average), and tholeiitic basalt (see THOLEIITE). Constructive plate margins develop oceanic ridges. See SEA-FLOOR SPREADING.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "constructive margin." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "constructive margin." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-constructivemargin.html

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