Slow moving geological changes in East Africa can reshape the continent and the world. The tectonic forces gradually dismantled the African continent, potentially creating a new ocean. This transformation has given scientists insight into the evolution of the Earth for millions of years.
The East African Rift Valley is one of the most active fault systems on Earth, spreading across Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania, separating Nubia and Somalia plates. In the distant future, this drift could be given to landlocked countries such as Uganda and Zambia coastlines. Jibouti, Ethiopia and Eritrea may rupture, allowing Indian Ocean water to fill the gap, form new coastlines and change the climate and geographical location of Northeast Africa.
In 2005, a 35-mile-long crack appeared in the Ethiopian desert, marking the emergence of the rift valley. Research shows that part of the 0.3-inch rift motion moves every year due to magma movement below the ground.
Seismic data from the geophysical study letters show that the rift strata reflects the marine rift striking zone driven by African Nubia, African Somalia and Arabian plates.
This tectonic movement causes seismic activity, including volcanoes, geysers, valleys and potential earthquakes as mountains change. The Southern Ocean was confirmed in 2021 and is the last new ocean.
Written by: Nikhila Gayatri Kalla, intern.
