What are rift valleys?

Rift valleys are elongated depressions that form at divergent plate boundaries. This geological feature occurs when tectonic plates move apart, allowing the crust to stretch and thin. As the plates separate, the land between them can sag and create a deep, linear valley. Rift valleys are often associated with volcanic activity, as the movement of tectonic plates can lead to the upwelling of magma from below the Earth's surface.

The formation of rift valleys is commonly observed in places such as the East African Rift, where the continental crust is being pulled apart. This process not only creates rift valleys but can also lead to the development of new ocean basins if the rifting continues over geological time scales. Understanding rift valleys is crucial in the study of plate tectonics, as they represent a clear example of how tectonic forces shape the Earth's surface.