A continent is the scenario of an extraordinary geological phenomenon. A huge fracture in the earth’s crust continues to expand and could give rise to a new ocean.
A continent is facing an unprecedented geological phenomenon. This is Africa, more precisely in the area of the Rift Valle. This process results in the formation of elongated basins, often accompanied by failures and volcanoes, and could eventually trigger the creation of a new ocean.
The rift system of East Africa extends for more than 6,000 kilometers And it is one of the most active rifting areas on the planet. It crosses countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya and Mozambique, and represents a geological phenomenon that not only impacts science, but also challenges our understanding of how the earth works.
In this region, three tectonic plates La Somalí, African and Arabic They have been separating for more than 25 million years. What was previously an imperceptible process, today is manifested in deep valleys, volcanic mountains and visible movements that are fragmenting the continent. And this is not science fiction: it is happening in real time.
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The fracture crosses emblematic places such as the iconic Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, and results in imposing and unique landscapes.
The horn of Africa
The region that covers Somalia, Ethiopia and part of Kenya, is experiencing a slow but constant separation from the rest of the continent. Although scientists estimate that this departure progresses only a few millimeters or centimeters per year, this rhythm, although apparently small, is sufficient so that, over time, a new ocean is formed.
The most visible crack of this phenomenon extends from Afar, in the north, to southern Kenya, near the border with Tanzania. If this process continues its course, the horn of Africa could become a gigantic island, separated by an ocean still to name.
An unexpected acceleration for science
Until recently, scientists estimated that the separation of the African continent would take millions of years. However, in 2005, an event completely changed this perception. In western Ethiopia, a 60 -kilometer crack opened steeply on the ground. In a matter of minutes, the terrain moved two meters, a phenomenon that would normally occur in a period of centuries.
Source: Ambito
