Definition of rift valley
: an elongated valley formed by the depression of a block of the earth's crust between two faults or groups of faults of approximately parallel orientation
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Recent Examples of rift valley from the Web
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The East African Rift has several rift valleys that can be seen from space.
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The East African Rift is one of the world’s largest rift valleys, about 3,700 miles in length and 30 to 40 miles across.
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First Known Use of rift valley
1894
RIFT VALLEY Defined for English Language Learners
rift valley
Definition of rift valley for English Language Learners
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geology : a long, steep valley formed when two parallel rifts form in the Earth's crust and the land between them sinks
Learn More about rift valley
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rift valley
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