8 Describe where and how a rift valley is formed.

Rift valleys are fascinating geological formations that occur when tectonic plates diverge, or pull apart. This process often takes place at mid-ocean ridges or continental rift zones, where the crust thins and eventually sinks, creating a valley. Over time, as the ground sinks and stretches, large blocks of the Earth's crust drop down along faults, leading to the iconic V-shaped valley associated with rifts, such as the East African Rift. In the real world, rift valleys can have significant impacts on local ecosystems and human activities. For example, the East African Rift not only generates spectacular landscapes, attracting tourists and scientists alike, but it also influences weather patterns, agriculture, and wildlife migration in the region. The volcanic activity associated with rift zones can lead to fertile soils, making areas like the Ethiopian Highlands prime ground for farming, thus intertwining geological phenomena with cultural and economic development.