Question #7e701
1 Answer
Rift valleys are formed by divergent plate movements.
Explanation:
It is theorized that convection currents in the mantle of the earth cause places where the heat in the mantle moves up. When the heat reaches the boundary between the crust and the mantle the current moves apart in two different directions tearing the crust above the divergent boundary apart forming the rift valley.
The Great Rift Valley in Africa is a place where this is believed to be happening. The thin crust created by the diverging pieces of crust allows magma to come to the surface forming volcanic mountains like Mt. Kenya , and Kilamajaro .
It is believed that all of the Continental Crust was once together in one place called Pangea. Rift valleys are believed to have torn the super continent apart creating the Continents that we see today.
