Aulacogen

As Aulakogen is known in geology a continental grave breach ( Rift ), which has not evolved to an oceanic spreading zone. This grave breach is by definition part or extension of a triple point (English: rift - rift - rift junction).

From such a triple point of three continental trenches extend radially at an angle of 120 °, two of which have developed into active ocean spreading zones, while the third foothills, the Aulakogen, not on the continental stage comes out.

An example of a possible Aulakogen is the Afar Depression in Ethiopia. While the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden have become narrow ocean basin, lies the third branch, the Afar Depression still in the continental Riftingphase. If the Afar Depression tectonically inactive in the near geological future, then it is considered as Aulakogen.