RIFT VALLEY Meaning and
Definition
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A rift valley is a long, narrow depression or valley that is formed when the Earth's crust splits apart along a fault line. It is characterized by parallel faults on both sides, which result in a down-dropped block of land in between. The formation of a rift valley occurs in the early stages of tectonic plate movement, where tensional forces cause the lithosphere to stretch and thin. As this stretching continues, the crust eventually breaks and creates a rift or fissure.
Rift valleys typically have steep sides and a flat or gently sloping floor, which may be occupied by a river or a lake. They can range in width from a few kilometers to several hundred kilometers, with lengths extending for hundreds, if not thousands, of kilometers. The most famous example of a rift valley is the East African Rift Valley, which stretches for approximately 6,000 kilometers from Ethiopia in the north to Mozambique in the south. This region is known for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, as well as its geological significance.
Rift valleys play a crucial role in studying the Earth's geology, as they expose layers of rock that would otherwise be hidden deep beneath the surface. Scientists can examine these rock layers to gain insights into the Earth's history and understand the processes that shaped its landscape. Rift valleys also have significant economic value, as they often contain valuable resources such as minerals, oil, and natural gas. Furthermore, their unique geological features make them popular tourist destinations for visitors interested in the Earth's natural wonders.
Common Misspellings for RIFT VALLEY
- eift valley
- dift valley
- fift valley
- tift valley
- 5ift valley
- 4ift valley
- ruft valley
- rjft valley
- rkft valley
- roft valley
- r9ft valley
- r8ft valley
- ridt valley
- rict valley
- rivt valley
- rigt valley
- ritt valley
- rirt valley
- rifr valley
Etymology of RIFT VALLEY
The word "rift valley" traces its origins to the combination of the Old Norse word "ripta", meaning "to tear", and the Old English word "fealu", meaning "fallow" or "rubbish". "Ripta" and "fealu" were eventually combined to form the word "rift". Meanwhile, the word "valley" originated from the Old English word "dæl", which means, well, "valley". So, when combined, "rift valley" literally means a valley formed by tearing or pulling apart. The term gained prominence due to the presence of various well-known rift valleys around the world, such as the East African Rift Valley.
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