The Rift Valley is seen as the original home of the human species, and is one of the richest
archaeological sites on earth. What about the geography of the Valley makes it so special?
Rift valleys are formed when the earth’s outermost crust breaks apart due to tectonic plates shifting (earthquakes). The Great Rift Valley or the East African Rift is important for its archeological significance. It was here that Lucy, a 3.2 million year old Australopithecus was found; the volcanic ash which is a constant presence due to volcanic activity, allows archaeologists to date their findings more accurately. Also, sediments in the valleys provide perfect conditions for the preservation of remains. It is quite possible that life was also present in other areas,however it was best preserved in the great rift valley. Because of all the volcanic and tectonic activity around these rifts there is a substantial amount of geothermal energy generated by these rifts. If this energy could be harnessed it could power more than 5,000 homes. This Rift Valley has about thirty lakes along its length. The Great Rift Valley contains several hot springs and geysers. There are also fresh water springs present in the Great Rift Valley. The sodium carbonate in the water is perfect breeding ground for algae and this in turn allows fish to thrive which allows birds and other predators to thrive. Rift valley. (n.d.). Retrieved June 12, 2015, from http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/rift-valley/?ar_a=1
dibs- sophia
ReplyDeleteRift valleys are formed when the earth’s outermost crust breaks apart due to tectonic plates shifting (earthquakes). The Great Rift Valley or the East African Rift is important for its archeological significance. It was here that Lucy, a 3.2 million year old Australopithecus was found; the volcanic ash which is a constant presence due to volcanic activity, allows archaeologists to date their findings more accurately. Also, sediments in the valleys provide perfect conditions for the preservation of remains. It is quite possible that life was also present in other areas,however it was best preserved in the great rift valley. Because of all the volcanic and tectonic activity around these rifts there is a substantial amount of geothermal energy generated by these rifts. If this energy could be harnessed it could power more than 5,000 homes. This Rift Valley has about thirty lakes along its length. The Great Rift Valley contains several hot springs and geysers. There are also fresh water springs present in the Great Rift Valley. The sodium carbonate in the water is perfect breeding ground for algae and this in turn allows fish to thrive which allows birds and other predators to thrive.
ReplyDeleteRift valley. (n.d.). Retrieved June 12, 2015, from http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/rift-valley/?ar_a=1
Hi Sophia, would you say that the Great Rift Valley is a great breeding ground or hiding spot for a virus? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteHi Sophia, would you say that the Great Rift Valley is a great breeding ground or hiding spot for a virus? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteyou go Sophia!
ReplyDelete