Central idea

Scientists predict a new ocean will be created as Africa splits into two separate parts connected to the East African Rift
This geological process will inevitably divide the continent resulting in new coastlines and sub-sea internet infrastructure but also will have significant repercussions

What is Rifting?

The Earth’s lithosphere, comprising the crust and upper part of the mantle, is divided into tectonic plates that move in relation to each other at varying speeds.
Tectonic forces move the plates and can cause them to rupture, resulting in the formation of a rift and potentially leading to the creation of new plate boundaries.
Rifting refers to the geological process in which a single tectonic plate is split into two or more plates separated by divergent plate boundaries.
In the present day, the gradual separation of the Somali and Nubian tectonic plates is leading to the formation of a rift that could eventually lead to the creation of a new ocean basin.
The movement of tectonic plates is a fascinating geological phenomenon.

The African continent is located on the African Plate, which is one of the Earth’s major tectonic plates.
The continent is characterized by a number of geological features, including rift valleys.

Most profound feature: The East African Rift System

The East African Rift System is the most prominent example of rifting in Africa.
It stretches for over 6,000 kilometers from the Red Sea in the north to the Zambezi River in the south.
The rift system includes a series of interconnected rift valleys, volcanoes, and lakes.

Causes of the East African Rift System

The rift system is caused by the movement of the African Plate away from the Arabian Plate and the Somalian Plate.
This movement creates tension in the Earth’s crust, causing it to pull apart and form a rift.

Impact: Lakes Formed by Rifting

Over time, the rifting process has led to the formation of several large lakes in the region.
These lakes include Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Malawi.
They are believed to have formed as a result of the sinking of the land between the rift valleys.

The rifting process is ongoing and may eventually lead to the splitting of the African continent into two or more separate land masses.
However, this process is expected to take millions of years and is not likely to have a significant impact on human populations in the near future.
The necessary evacuation of people and potential loss of lives will be an unfortunate cost of this natural phenomenon.
The emergence of new coastlines will unlock opportunities for economic growth
As the plates continue to split in the future, this phenomenon will result in the displacement of communities, settlements, and various flora and fauna.

The movement of tectonic plates has significant implications for the continent’s future.
It is important to study and monitor these changes while remembering the power of the Earth’s natural forces and the impact they can have over time.

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