title: Mechanistic interpretation of rift valley formation.
abstract: The stress distribution on the lithospheric plate due to excess magma pressure is obtained from an exact solution of the three-dimensional theory of elasticity. The analysis indicates that rift valley formation and associated structural and geophysical characteristics can be suitably explained by dike-like intrusions of magma or igneous mush into the lithospheric plate.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Koide
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhattacharji