A rift is slowly splitting the African continent, driven by tectonic plate movements in the Afar Triangle. The East African Rift system, marked by the Nubian, Somali, and Arabian plates, is the epicenter of this geological shift. A 35-mile rift in Ethiopia, formed in 2005, exemplifies this process.
A plume of superheated rock from the mantle below East Africa is causing the crust to break, forming valleys and triggering volcanic activity. This geological force is also driving changes in the Earth’s surface, with African plates separating at a rate of up to 0.5 inches per year.
The rift’s progression could lead to further displacement of communities due to climate-related changes, which have already displaced over 15 million Africans. As landmasses destabilize, habitats will vanish or transform, threatening Africa’s ecosystems and biodiversity.
However, the emergence of a new ocean could unlock economic opportunities for landlocked nations like Uganda and Zambia. This would offer new coastlines, ports, and trade routes that redefine regional commerce.
The rift also holds promise for scientific research into ocean evolution and ecological adaptation. The unique marine ecosystems fostered by the new ocean could create new avenues for study, revealing connections between Earth’s processes and life’s development.
This region’s geological and evolutionary history intertwines, offering valuable insights into early human evolution. As the continent slowly divides, Africa’s future will be shaped by this complex interplay of geological and biological forces.
Source: https://www.businesstoday.in/visualstories/news/10000-billion-gallons-earths-sixth-ocean-is-forming-and-many-countries-are-at-risk-of-vanishing-208708-10-02-2025