What is the Great Rift Valley and why is it important?

The Great Rift Valley is the well known rift valley in the world. It stretches from the Middle East in the north to Mozambique in the south. 

Importance of the Great Rift Valley:

• It is well known for volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, and frequent earthquakes. 
• It represents a perfect environment to understand the evolution of mankind; for the important paleoanthropological discoveries in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zaire. The African rift valleys are indeed considered the “cradle of mankind”.

Further Reading:

• Major Landforms of the Earth
• Geography Notes