riftes

Riftes is a term sometimes found in geological literature as the plural form of rifte, used to describe elongated crustal depressions formed by extensional tectonics. In standard English geology, the common term is rift (plural rifts). When used, riftes refer to similar features: trough-like structures bounded by normal faults, produced when continental crust is stretched and torn, sometimes evolving into ocean basins.

Rifts form through extensional stress that thins the lithosphere, allowing mantle material to intrude and cool; normal faults create graben blocks, and subsidence can accumulate sediments, forming rift valleys. Many riftes evolve toward seafloor spreading, eventually creating new ocean basins.

Continental riftes develop within tectonic plates; if extension continues, volcanic activity can occur. Oceanic riftes correspond to mid-ocean ridges where new crust is formed. A typical rifte system comprises grabens and horst blocks, fault scarps, volcanic centers, and associated sedimentary basins.

Rifs are found on most tectonic plates, with notable examples that readers may encounter in geologic literature including broad continental rift zones and marine counterparts such as mid-ocean ridge regions. They are studied for insights into plate tectonics, mantle dynamics, and the long-term evolution of the crust, as well as for practical considerations related to groundwater, volcanism, and hydrocarbon potential in sedimentary basins.

See also: Rift valley, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, normal fault, graben.