Which is the deepest continental rift valley on Earth?
Quick Answer
The East African Rift is the largest active continental rift system and includes some of the deepest rift valleys on Earth. It is a huge zone where the African Plate is slowly splitting apart.
The Full Story
The East African Rift is the world’s largest active continental rift system and includes exceptionally deep valleys such as the Afar Depression and the Kenyan and Tanzanian rift basins. It is formed by tectonic stretching that is gradually pulling the African Plate apart into smaller plates. Volcanic activity, earthquakes, and major lakes all mark the region. Over geologic time, the rift may eventually widen into a new ocean basin.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"A new ocean could one day be born in this giant crack in Africa."
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