What geological structure can result from a divergent boundary within a continent?

A continental rift is a geological structure that forms when tectonic plates move apart, particularly within a continent. As the lithosphere is pulled apart, it stretches and thins, leading to the development of a rift valley where the Earth's crust breaks and subsides. This process is characterized by volcanic activity and the formation of new crust as magma rises to fill the gap created by the diverging plates.

Continental rifts can evolve into linear valleys or may eventually promote the formation of new ocean basins if the rifting continues long enough. Examples of continental rift systems include the East African Rift and the Basin and Range Province in the western United States.

In contrast, a subduction zone involves one tectonic plate sliding beneath another, leading to deep ocean trenches, volcanic arcs, and even earthquake activity, making it distinct from rifting processes. A mid-ocean ridge typically forms in oceanic settings rather than continental, where two oceanic plates diverge under the sea. Mountain ranges often develop at convergent boundaries where plates collide rather than diverge. Thus, the formation of a continental rift accurately describes the geological structure resulting from a divergent boundary within a continent.