Volcanic rifts

Home > Earth Sciences > Plate tectonics > Continental Rifts > Volcanic rifts

These are also known as active rifts, and they occur when molten rock rises to the surface and solidifies, creating new crust. These rifts are characterized by volcanoes, earthquakes, and geothermal activity. Examples of volcanic rifts include the East African Rift system, the Rio Grande Rift in North America, and the Taupo Volcanic Zone in New Zealand.