Africa Splits Apart Forming a New Ocean Faster Than Predicted

Researchers have discovered a major shift happening in Africa. Forces deep inside the Earth make Africa split apart and create a pathway for a new ocean to form.

The East African Rift, a huge crack in the Earth’s surface, is the center of this activity. Stretching from Mozambique in the south to the Red Sea in the north, the East African Rift represents the only place on Earth where continental crust is breaking apart to eventually form oceanic crust.

Scientists estimate that the tectonic plates in this region—the African and Somali plates—are pulling away from each other at a rate of approximately 0.8 centimeters per year. While this movement is slow by human standards, it marks the beginning of a process that could culminate in the creation of a new ocean in about 1 million years, or possibly sooner.

2005 earthquakes reveal rift’s volatility

In Ethiopia’s Afar region, the rift spans 60 kilometers and plunges up to 10 meters deep. In 2005, this area demonstrated the rift’s volatility when over 420 earthquakes struck in a short period, leading to the formation of a massive fissure. What usually takes centuries unfolded in mere days, challenging traditional views on the timescales of geological processes.

Can Africa split apart? It’s happening at the rate of 7 mm per year. pic.twitter.com/QHEKWpAYRZ

— HappyLife (@HappyLife110676) December 29, 2024

Cynthia Ebinger, a geoscientist at Tulane University, highlights the rapid pace of change. “We’ve reduced the timeframe to about 1 million years, possibly even half that,” she said. Ebinger also noted that seismic activity, such as earthquakes, could further accelerate the process, although predicting such events remains difficult.

The formation of this ocean basin will significantly alter Africa’s geography. Landlocked countries like Zambia and Uganda could gain coastlines, offering new access to trade and reshaping their economies. At the same time, marine habitats will develop in the newly created waters, transforming local ecosystems.

Scientists study plate movement and ocean formation

Scientists are closely studying this rare geological event. By observing the rift’s progression, they hope to gain deeper insights into how tectonic plates move and how oceans are born. The East African Rift mirrors the formation of the Atlantic Ocean millions of years ago, offering a unique opportunity to witness such changes in real time.

However, this transformation also presents challenges. Land management and coastal infrastructure will need significant adjustments as new coastlines emerge. Environmental impacts from the birth of a new ocean must be carefully monitored to protect ecosystems.

The East African Rift is a powerful reminder of Earth’s dynamic nature. As researchers refine their models of plate movement and seismic activity, they continue to uncover the complexities of this unfolding phenomenon. The creation of a new ocean may seem distant, but its impacts—geological, economic, and environmental—will leave a lasting mark on the continent and its future.