Which term describes a type of boundary that can lead to the formation of a continental rift valley?

A boundary that can lead to the formation of a continental rift valley is correctly identified as a divergent boundary. At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move apart from each other, creating tension in the Earth's crust. As the plates separate, the crust can thin out and break, resulting in the formation of a rift valley. This process allows magma from beneath the Earth's surface to rise and fill the gap, further contributing to the creation of new crust.

In the context of continental rift valleys, this boundary type is significant because it results in the stretching and thinning of the continental crust—conditions that foster the development of valleys as the land sinks to fill the void left by the separating plates. Examples of continental rift valleys formed in this manner include the East African Rift.

The other boundary types do not lead to the formation of rift valleys in the same manner, as they are characterized by different interactions between tectonic plates.