1. the geological process by which the Earth’s crust is pulled apart, creating valleys and eventually new ocean basins
Usage: geological
2. the formation of a crack, split, or break in something

Examples

• The rifting of the supercontinent Pangaea began millions of years ago.
• Scientists study rifting to understand how new ocean basins form.
• The East African Rift is an example of active continental rifting.
• Rifting creates distinctive geological features like rift valleys.
• The rifting process can take millions of years to complete.
• Volcanic activity often accompanies rifting in the Earth’s crust.