A 56km-wide crack has appeared in the East African Rift, splitting the continent into pieces and potentially creating an ocean as deep as the Atlantic within 5 million years.
If you think of Africa as a fixed, unchanging continent, it might be time to rethink that. A staggering 56-mile-long crack has appeared in the East African Rift in Ethiopia, and it’s about to transform the world map. But don’t worry, it’s not something we’ll see in our lifetimes—at least not with the ocean flooding the affected areas.
This separation is caused by powerful tectonic forces, which are literally tearing the continent in half. Experts believe that in the future, this will lead to the formation of a new ocean, something as grand as the Atlantic Ocean. Let's explore this story fascinating!
The East African Rift Crack
The East African Rift is a system of tectonic rifts that stretches thousands of miles across countries including Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. It is one of the few places on Earth where tectonic plates are actively moving apart, creating fissures and cracks that reveal the unstoppable force of our planet.
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In 2005, a gigantic crack was discovered in Afar, Ethiopia. At 56 kilometers long, this crack has become a symbol of the continental separation process in action. Geologists explain that this phenomenon began about 25 million years ago, but only now have we been able to map in detail the direction in which it is moving.
Tectonic forces and the future of Africa
The African continent is being torn apart by the Somali and Nubian plates, which are moving in opposite directions. This pulling apart creates earthquakes and volcanoes, showing that the Earth is constantly in transformation.
According to scientists, the waters of the Indian Ocean will begin to invade the Rift Valley, forming a new ocean. Imagine a scenario where the continent is literally split in two, giving rise to what some have already called the “Nubian continent”.
The impact on human life and the ecosystem
Although the process is slow on a human scale, the signs are already everywhere. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are frequent events in the region. However, the most drastic changes, such as ocean flooding, will only occur in millions of years.
Another fascinating phenomenon is the possible breakup of Madagascar, which could split into two islands. These geographical changes could directly impact biodiversity, creating new ecosystems and altering the balance of nature.
The Science Behind Separation
The East African Rift is driven by heat from the asthenosphere, a layer of the Earth's mantle. This heat weakens the crust, allowing the plates to move apart. Studies show that the thinning of the lithosphere in the region is a major reason for the formation of the rifts.
Recent research has revealed that different parts of the Rift have varying levels of activity volcanic. Scientists continue to investigate how these activities can accelerate the process of continental separation and form new bodies of water.
“It’s literally falling apart”???
Very poorly crafted sentence, poor thing!
The correct term is “it is literally falling apart”!!!!!!
It is regrettable that professional people are distorting words, the African continent is being divided into 2. Forming a new ocean
Good morning, afternoon, evening ladies and gentlemen, let's not underestimate the analysts, let's roll up our sleeves and work for the ecosystem, and reduce the exploitation of natural and national environmental resources. Who knows, maybe this 56km long dam, which is in the works, could be a heavenly act of good, bringing fresh water to those Africans. Believe me, my friends.