Final answer:
The Great Rift Valley extends from Mozambique to the Red Sea and is created by the division of the African Plate into the Somalian and Nubian Plates. It houses prominent features such as deep water lakes and high mountain ranges while also contributing to the continent's diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Great Rift Valley is a continuous geographic trench that runs from Mozambique in Southeast Africa through Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, and extends all the way to the Red Sea. The valley is a result of tectonic plate movements that have split the African Plate into two smaller plates: the Somalian Plate and the Nubian Plate, which continue to drift apart.
The Great Rift Valley is divided into two parts, the Western Rift and the Eastern Rift. The Western Rift is home to deep water lakes like Lake Tanganyika, the world's second deepest lake, and highlands containing mountain ranges such as the Rwenzori Mountains. The Eastern Rift is known for features like Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti Plain. This valley has created stunning landscapes and is actively shaping the continent of Africa as it expands.
Moreover, the movement of these tectonic plates has contributed to the formation of diverse landscapes, including savannas, high mountains, and the highlands of Ethiopia. The Great Rift Valley significantly impacts Africa by producing habitats that support a wide variety of wildlife, contributing to tourism, and presenting both geographical opportunities and challenges.