The rate of plate creation at divergent boundaries varies between about 2 and 6 centimeters per year. The creation of oceanic crust and movement away from the midocean ridges is called seafloor spreading. The most common processes occurring along divergent boundaries are volcanism and earthquakes.
Lithuanian language, Lithuanian Lietuviu Kalba, East Baltic language most closely related to Latvian; it is spoken primarily in Lithuania, where it has been the official language since 1918. It is the most archaic Indo-European language still spoken. A Lithuanian literary language has been in existence since the 16th century, the earliest document being translations of the Lordâs Prayer, a creed, and the Ave Maria, made about 1525.
Background. Lithuania, largest of the three Baltic States, regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It joined the European Union and NATO in 2004. Lithuania is a parliamentary republic with some attributes of a semi-presidential system. Under President Dalia Grybauskaite, re-elected in May 2014, the country has worked to improve transparency in parliamentary elections, on judicial reforms, and on energy and financial security.