How is a Rift Valley Formed? Give One Example of a Rift Valley
By Balaji
Updated on: March 31st, 2023
When the Earth’s tectonic plates separate or split in opposite directions, a rift valley forms. It is a low-lying area formed by faulting caused by deviation. Continental rifts are potential locations for the formation of unexplored oceans. Rift valley formations are entirely the result of tectonic plate activity, as opposed to rivers and glacial valleys, which are geographical components formed by erosion.
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1. Rift Valley Formation and Examples
Rift Valley Formation and Examples
When two faults occur at the same time, the land between them is raised or pushed. A rift valley forms when the lower portion of land between two or more horizontal faults becomes elevated, or when the middle portion of the land remains static but the two parallel side blocks become elevated.
Examples of continental rift valleys are:
- The East African Rift valley
- The West Antarctic Rift valley
- The Baikal Rift Valley
- The Rio Grande Rift valley
The rift valley is an important topic in Geography, and this chapter is covered in several competitive exams. A rift valley is a long, narrow valley formed by a block depression between two sets of faults. It is typically formed at the deepest depths of the ocean. Many of the world’s largest lakes are located on rifts formed by natural events.
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