A rift valley is a linear-shaped lowland between highlands or mountain ranges created by the action of a geologic rift or fault. This action is manifest as crustal extension, a spreading apart of the surface which is subsequently further deepened by the forces of erosion. When the tensional forces are strong enough to cause the plate to split apart it will do so such that a center block will drop down relative to its flanking blocks, forming a graben.
          
            Year: 2015
            From album: African Biodiversity
            
              Photographer:
              Peter Prokosch
            
            
              Tags:
                
                  Big
                
                  Cats
                
                  Environment
                
                  Gazelles
                
                  Kenya
                
                  National
                
                  Nature
                
                  Parks
                
                  The
                
                  Trees
                
                  Wilderbeast
                
                  zebra