MasteryExams
Geography • World GeographyHard

Evaluate the geological evolution and structural features of the East African Rift System: Statement I: The East African Rift is an active continental rift zone where the African tectonic plate is extending and splitting into two distinct new plates, namely the Nubian and Somalian plates. Statement II: This extensional tectonic regime is characterized by extensive volcanic activity, deep graben valleys, and a string of deep freshwater rift lakes including Lake Tanganyika and Lake Malawi. Which of the following is correct?

A. Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect
B. Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct
C. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct✓ Correct Answer
D. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect

💡 Solution & Explanation

Both statements are correct, illustrating how continental rifting creates divergent plate boundaries within continental crust accompanied by volcanism and fault-bounded lake basins. Ignoring rifting mechanics prevents clear understanding of nascent ocean basin formation. The topography of East Africa provides a textbook example of graben valley development.

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