![Mesozoic mural depicting different ocean species that have evolved through time. [Credit: Smithsonian Institution]](https://www.geologypage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Scientists-discover-36-million-year-geological-cycle-that-drives-biodiversity-GeologyPage-218x150.jpg "Scientists discover 36-million-year geological cycle that drives biodiversity")
 rises up under the craton, heating it, causing){kind=link}
The Wilson cycle begins in Stage A with a
stable continental craton. A hot spot (not present in the drawings) rises up under the craton, heating it, causing it to swell upward, stretch and thin like taffy, crack, and finally split into two pieces. This process not only splits a continent in two it also creates a new divergent plate boundary.
stable continental craton. A hot spot (not present in the drawings) rises up under the craton, heating it, causing it to swell upward, stretch and thin like taffy, crack, and finally split into two pieces. This process not only splits a continent in two it also creates a new divergent plate boundary.