Which of the following landforms is associated with parallel faulting?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which landform comes from parallel faulting, meaning two or more faults running side by side in the same direction.

Step 2: Explain the concept A fault is a crack in the Earth's crust along which rocks move. When tension (pulling apart) or compression acts on the crust, parallel faults can form. The block of land between two parallel faults may sink down (a graben, which forms a rift valley) or stand up (a horst, or block mountain).

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Inselberg: An isolated residual hill formed by prolonged weathering and erosion of the surrounding land, mostly in tropical areas (e.g., Olumo Rock in Abeokuta). It is not formed by faulting.
• B. Dyke: A vertical or steep sheet of igneous rock formed when magma cools in a crack cutting across rock layers. This is an igneous intrusion, not faulting.
• C. Gorge: A deep, narrow valley cut by a river through erosion. It is not caused by faulting.
• D. Rift valley: Forms when the block between two parallel faults subsides. Examples are the East African Rift Valley and the Lower Benue Trough area of Nigeria.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is D. Rift valley.

Exam tip: Link the words "parallel faults" with "rift valley (graben)" and "block mountain (horst)". Remember: down-dropped block = rift valley; uplifted block = horst.