Final answer:
The Rift Valley is ideal for fossil searching due to erosion patterns depositing sediments favorable for preserving fossils, as evidenced by finds like 'Lucy.' Exposure by weathering helps uncover these fossils, and the valley's geologic history enhances this potential.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Rift Valley is an excellent place to search for fossils due to several geological processes that have occurred in the valley. Erosion patterns from the surrounding highlands have led to a buildup of sediments on the valley floor, which creates a favorable environment for the preservation of biological remains such as hominid and animal fossils. For example, the discovery of the Australopithecus afarensis specimen known as "Lucy" in 1974 underscores the valley's significance in paleontology. The Rift Valley's environment, characterized by a series of deep water lakes in the Western Rift and the presence of volcanic peaks in the Eastern Rift, contributes to a unique set of ecological systems that support an abundance of life, both past and present. The valley's location at the split of the African Plate further enhances its potential for holding valuable scientific information about early life on Earth.
When searching for fossils, weathering from wind or water plays a crucial role in exposing these buried treasures. In the case of the Great Rift Valley, the combination of these natural processes and human exploration has led to the discovery of important fossils. Well-known anthropologists such as Donald Johanson, and Richard and Mary Leakey, have made significant discoveries in this area. Collectively, the rich geologic history and optimal conditions for fossil preservation make the Rift Valley an unparalleled location for paleontological research.