Africa’s landmass is gradually splitting due to tectonic shifts that scientists predict could lead to the formation of a new ocean in about 50 million years. This phenomenon reflects Earth’s ancient geological transformations, such as the breakup of Pangea around 230 million years ago.
Fossil evidence, including the prehistoric Cynognathus found in both Africa and South America, supports the idea that these continents were once connected. At the core of this separation lies the East African Rift System (EARS), a vast fault line running through Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, where the African continent is slowly dividing.
Over the last 25 million years, a rift has widened within the African tectonic plate, creating two distinct plates: the Nubian plate to the west and the Somalian plate to the east. As this division progresses, seawater could eventually flood in, forming a new ocean between these separating landmasses.
Experts weigh in on geological changes in Africa
Geologist David Adede notes that the East African Rift has a rich history of tectonic and volcanic activity. Though surface shifts are limited, deep underground forces create weaknesses that could eventually reach the surface. Researcher Stephen Hicks attributes a significant crack in Kenya’s Rift Valley to soil erosion from recent rainfall, suggesting it may not be directly linked to tectonic activity. Lucía Pérez Díaz, however, acknowledges that the rift’s movements may relate to underlying fault lines, though the precise cause remains under investigation.
The long-term impact on Africa’s landscape
According to National Geographic, Africa’s future could include a new landmass as the Somali plate drifts away from the Nubian plate, potentially creating a landmass similar to Madagascar. Though this transformation will unfold over millions of years, the East African Rift will continue to intrigue geologists, offering a unique glimpse into Earth’s ever-evolving geography.
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