Questions: Deep-sea hydrothermal vents (black smokers) are most commonly located at what plate boundary? convergent boundaries with oceanic to oceanic plate subduction divergent boundaries of the mid-ocean ridge divergent boundaries of the East African Rift convergent boundaries with subduction zones

The answer is the second one: divergent boundaries of the mid-ocean ridge.

Explanation for each option:

1. Convergent boundaries with oceanic to oceanic plate subduction: This is incorrect. Convergent boundaries, where one oceanic plate subducts beneath another, typically form deep ocean trenches and volcanic island arcs, not hydrothermal vents.

2. Divergent boundaries of the mid-ocean ridge: This is correct. Deep-sea hydrothermal vents, including black smokers, are most commonly found at divergent boundaries, specifically along the mid-ocean ridges. Here, tectonic plates are moving apart, allowing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust. The interaction of seawater with the hot, newly formed crust leads to the formation of hydrothermal vents.

3. Divergent boundaries of the East African Rift: This is incorrect. While the East African Rift is a divergent boundary, it is a continental rift rather than an oceanic one. Hydrothermal vents are typically associated with oceanic divergent boundaries.

4. Convergent boundaries with subduction zones: This is incorrect. Similar to the first option, convergent boundaries with subduction zones are more associated with volcanic activity and the formation of mountain ranges or island arcs, rather than hydrothermal vents.

In summary, deep-sea hydrothermal vents are most commonly located at divergent boundaries of the mid-ocean ridge.