rift valleys

Rift valleys are long, narrow depressions formed when Earth's tectonic plates slowly move apart at divergent boundaries. As the plates separate, the crust thins and sinks, creating a valley often surrounded by steep cliffs or escarpments. These features can extend hundreds of kilometers and are commonly associated with volcanic activity and earthquakes. An example is the Great Rift Valley in East Africa, where ongoing tectonic movement is gradually reshaping the landscape and creating fertile areas for wildlife and human habitation.