rift zone

noun

, Geology.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rift zone¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

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

From National Geographic

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

Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said in a bulletin that the eruption on the mountain’s northeast rift zone was continuing, but lava output and volcanic gas emissions were “greatly reduced.”

From Seattle Times

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

The southwest rift zone leads straight to the city of Hilo, population 45,000.

From New York Times