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rift zone

American  

noun

Geology.
  1. a system of related, narrow structural depressions between parallel faults.


Etymology

Origin of rift zone

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Beyond the rift zone directly beneath the lake, there are two active volcanoes within 15 miles.

From National Geographic • Jan. 18, 2024

The well, near Geneva, Nebraska, sits close to deep faults that might connect it to the rocks of the failed rift zone.

From Science Magazine • Feb. 15, 2023

As of Friday morning, current lava flows in the northeastern rift zone of the volcano were only reaching 1.2 miles from the F3 vent producing them.

From Washington Times • Dec. 9, 2022

Previous eruptions had started in the summit and moved to a rift zone, but scientists did not know which of the two it would choose this time.

From New York Times • Dec. 3, 2022

But lava from the northeast rift zone will likely take at least a week to reach populated areas allowing people time to evacuate if needed.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 28, 2022

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