Final answer:
Fracturing of the crust forms rifts that can lead to various geological features and processes, such as grabens in continental rifts and basaltic lava in oceanic rift zones.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fracturing of the crust forms rifts that, depending on the tectonic setting, may lead to various geological features and processes.
For example, in continental rifts, the crust can split apart, creating grabens and half grabens. These depressions can then be filled with water, forming shallow-water seas and lakes. As the plates continue to separate, the two new landmasses start drifting apart, resulting in a 'passive margin system.'
On the other hand, in oceanic rift zones, molten rock rises to fill the space between the receding plates, forming basaltic lava that characterizes most of the ocean basins.