A recent study has unveiled convincing proof suggesting that Africa will ultimately separate into a pair of continents, divided by a nascent ocean.
Africa is splitting in two / © Reuters
The landmass of Africa is gradually, yet steadily, dividing into two sections, an event that probably commenced tens of millions of years in the past. By examining geomagnetic information, researchers from Kiel University have unearthed geological indications of a continuing separation between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. They anticipate that in a period of 5–10 million years, Africa will finally break apart into two distinct landmasses, with a fresh ocean taking shape between them.
The Daily Mail reports on this subject.
The separation process and the future sea
The geological break occurs along the East African Rift, among the most extensive tectonic formations in Africa, stretching roughly 6,400 kilometers . This fracture, which spans from Jordan in a southwest direction through East Africa towards Mozambique, is tearing the continent apart ” like a zipper.”
Upon conclusion of the process, estimated in approximately 5–10 million years, Africa will divide into two principal segments:
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The larger western division: encompassing the territories of the majority of current nations, such as Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, and Namibia.
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The smaller eastern segment: incorporating Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and much of Ethiopia.
Scientists postulate that a novel ocean will ultimately emerge in the location of this rift, which will traverse significant lakes like Malawi and Turkana.
1968 data and pace of movement
In their investigation, the scientists centered on the Afar region, the meeting point of three tectonic fractures (the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Ethiopian Rift). This zone is considered to be the area where the separation process is at its initial phases.
Academics scrutinized magnetic data gathered in 1968 and 1969 and, by merging it with contemporary analysis methods, have found new insight regarding the magnetic sphere of the Earth's crust. The assessment has revealed that ancient “strips” of seafloor spreading extend between Africa and Arabia.
These magnetic imprints denote a sluggish yet persistent fracture of the continental crust, where it is being stretched and diminished in thickness. Despite the procedure requiring millions of years, its velocity in the northern portion of the fracture is merely 5–16 millimeters per year .
“These findings deliver a distinctive viewpoint on the constant transformations and shifts occurring on our planet directly beneath our feet,” commented Professor Peter Stiles, a geologist affiliated with Keele University.
As a reminder, the African continent is gradually and steadily dividing into two, a phenomenon potentially leading to the rise of a new ocean and natural calamities of unprecedented scale. These shifts will undoubtedly attract significant attention not just from Africans, but from the global community as well.
Source: tsn.ua