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Africa Rips Apart: New Ocean Forms!
21 Nov
Summary
- Africa is splitting into two landmasses.
- Geological separation began millions of years ago.
- A new ocean will form in millions of years.
A groundbreaking study reveals that the continent of Africa is in the process of splitting into two separate landmasses, a geological event that began tens of millions of years ago. This continental division is actively reshaping the Earth's crust, marked by volcanism and seismic activity, and is predicted to continue for another five to ten million years.
The separation is visualized as a zipper-like tear, extending from northeast to the south of Africa, along the East African Rift system. This immense geological feature, spanning approximately 4,000 miles, is where the new ocean will eventually form, dividing the continent. The eastern portion will include countries like Somalia and Kenya, while the western part will retain most of the current African nations.
Researchers analyzed vintage magnetic data from key regions like the Afar, studying magnetic signatures within the crust that record ancient seafloor spreading events. This analysis confirms the slow, continuous rifting, with the crust thinning and stretching before rupturing. The observed separation rate in the north is between 5-16 mm per year, highlighting the gradual yet inexorable nature of this continental breakup.
