The Great Rift Valley in East Africa
Formation of rift valleys by tension
001>> Rock layers are being pulled apart by tensional forces moving in the opposite directions.
002>>Tensional forces cause the rocks to break and normal faults develop.
003>> A rift valley is formed as the central block is lowered relative to the side blocks.
Formation of rift valleys by compression
001>> Rock layers are being squeezed by compressional forces.
002>> Compressional forces causes the rocks to break and reverse faults form.
003>> A rift valley is formed as the side blocks are uplifted relative to the central block.
004>> Over time, the overhanging escarpments are removed by erosion.
O.E stands for overhanging escarpments.