A rift valley is a large, elongated depression formed by the extension and pulling apart of the Earth’s crust. These valleys are significant for understanding tectonic processes, particularly the early stages of continental breakup, the formation of new ocean basins, and the development of volcanic and seismic activity along rift zones.
Reference: Rosendahl, B. R. (1987). “Architecture of Continental Rifts with Special Reference to East Africa.” Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 15, 445-503.