In geology, a rift is a place where the Earth's crust and lithosphere are being pulled apart, an example of extensional tectonics. Typical features are a central linear downdropped fault segment, called a graben, with parallel normal faulting and rift-flank uplifts on either side forming a rift valley, where the rift remains above sea level. The axis of the rift area commonly contains volcanic rocks and active volcanism is a part of many but not all active rift systems. Rifts are distinct from… (More on Rift)