Final answer:
The African Rift Valley is a zone of active geological change, where the African Plate is splitting into the Somalian and Nubian Plates, creating the Western and Eastern Rifts, each with unique geological features such as deep lakes, high mountains, and both active and inactive volcanoes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geological Activity in the African Rift Valley
The African Rift Valley is experiencing geological activity due to the divergence of tectonic plates. Specifically, the valley evidences the separation of the African Plate into two smaller plates: the Somalian Plate and the Nubian Plate. The division of the rift into the Western Rift and the Eastern Rift presents distinct geological features. The Western Rift, marked by the highlands and deep water lakes such as Lake Tanganyika, Lake Edward, and Lake Albert, borders the Congo and hosts mountain ranges including the Rwenzori Mountains. The Eastern Rift features inactive volcanic peaks, like Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, as well as active volcanoes like Ol Doinyo Lengai.
Sedimentation from erosional patterns in the highlands contributes to an environment conducive to preserving biological and hominid remains, notable finds like 'Lucy' being discovered here. This rift zone is part of a larger system that extends from Mozambique to the Red Sea. The unique ecosystems supported by this rift include a rich array of birdlife, wildlife, and human communities reliant on resources like freshwater from lakes.
Recent volcanic activity, such as the 2002 eruptions of Mount Nyiragongo, showcases the ongoing geological changes and their impact on human settlements. The Great Rift Valley is not only a site of significant geological interest but also a region of profound ecological and anthropological importance.