Summary
Scientists have found that the African continent is splitting apart along the East African Rift, which will eventually create a new ocean. This process will take millions of years as the land gradually moves apart by less than an inch each year. The split is happening where three tectonic plates meet in the Afar region of Ethiopia.
Key Facts
- Africa is slowly splitting along the East African Rift, eventually forming a new ocean.
- The split is between the Somalian plate and the larger Nubian plate.
- The split also involves movement from the Arabian plate in the north.
- The plates are spreading apart at a rate of about 0.28 inches per year.
- A new ocean will take millions of years to form as a result of these movements.
- The Afar region in Ethiopia is significant because three plates meet there.
- This rift could impact local regions through earthquakes and volcanic activity.
- Recent research suggests that rising pulses of molten rock drive the splitting process.
