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  • Continental Divergence: Landforms Created by Plates Moving Apart
    When two continental plates diverge, the following landforms are typically made:

    * Rift Valleys: These are long, narrow depressions that form as the plates pull apart. The land on either side of the rift valley can collapse and create steep cliffs.

    * Volcanoes: As the plates move apart, magma rises from the mantle to fill the gap. This magma often erupts, forming volcanoes.

    * Mid-Ocean Ridges: When the plates pull apart underwater, magma rises and solidifies, creating a mountain range known as a mid-ocean ridge.

    * Linear Seas: As rift valleys continue to develop, they can fill with water, creating long, narrow seas. The Red Sea is an example of a linear sea that formed as the African and Arabian plates diverged.

    Example: The East African Rift Valley is a prime example of continental divergence. This area is characterized by a series of rift valleys, volcanoes, and volcanic lakes.

    It's important to note that the specific landforms created by continental divergence can vary depending on a number of factors, including the rate of plate movement, the type of rocks involved, and the amount of magma that is produced.

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