Do plates pull apart in the middle of Atlantic ocean?
Yes, the plates pull apart in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. This is known as seafloor spreading and it is one of the main mechanisms responsible for the formation of new oceanic crust. Seafloor spreading occurs when the tectonic plates that form the ocean floor move apart, allowing magma from the Earth's mantle to rise up and fill the gap. This process creates new oceanic crust which is constantly being added to the edges of the existing continents. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is an example of a seafloor spreading center where the North American and South American plates are moving apart at a rate of about 2.5 centimeters per year.