Processes
Rifting
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The pulling apart of the lithosphere along a linear zone, the defining example of extensional tectonics. Rifting drops a central depression, a graben or more commonly a half-graben framed by normal faulting and rift-flank uplifts; rifts standing above sea level form rift valleys, the axis of most mid-ocean ridges is a rift where new oceanic crust and lithosphere form, and a continental rift that stops short of break-up survives as a failed rift, an aulacogen.
Facts
TimescaleTens of millions of years from initial stretching to continental breakup and the onset of seafloor spreading, though the transition can happen much faster or slower depending on the rift. 1 Driving ForceRifting can be active, driven by mantle convection, or passive, driven by far-field tectonic forces that stretch the lithosphere. 1 Resulting FeatureWhere a rift stays above sea level it forms a rift valley, sometimes filled with water to become a rift lake. 1 SignificanceRifting can lead to full continental breakup and the formation of new ocean basins, with successful rifting producing seafloor spreading along a mid-ocean ridge. 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
Rift depressions are framed by normal faulting.
Major rifts run along the central axis of most mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust forms.
Active volcanism is a part of many, but not all, active rift systems.
In Discipline
Sources
1. Rift (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead sectionQuote, Lead section
In geology, a rift is a linear zone where the lithosphere is being pulled apart and is an example of extensional tectonics.
1. Rift (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationRifting to break-up (drivers)Quote, Rifting to break-up (drivers)
Rifting may be active, and controlled by mantle convection. It may also be passive, and driven by far-field tectonic forces that stretch the lithosphere.
1. Rift (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationIntroduction (rift valley)Quote, Introduction (rift valley)
Where rifts remain above sea level they form a rift valley, which may be filled by water forming a rift lake.
1. Rift (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationRifting to break-up (outcome)Quote, Rifting to break-up (outcome)
Rifting may lead to continental breakup and formation of oceanic basins. Successful rifting leads to seafloor spreading along a mid-oceanic ridge.
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