Business Today reported that research by scientists led by Ms. Cynthia Ebinger - a geologist at Tulane University (USA) - shows a strong transformation taking place in Africa as tectonic forces push the continent towards the formation of a completely new ocean.
The focus of this change is the East African Rift System, a huge network of faults and cracks that are reshaping the region's geography at a faster pace.
The East African fossile system extends from the Red Sea in the north to Mozambique in the south, running through countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tan Tan Tan and Uganda.
The system is divided into two main branches: the Eastern Rift Valley (Eastern Branch) passing through Ethiopia and Kenya. The Western Rift Valley (Western Branch) passes through Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania.
The East African fossaction system is the only place on Earth where the continental crust is breaking off to eventually form the ocean crust.
Scientists estimate that the tectonic plates in this region - the African Nubian Plate and the Somalia Plate - are separating at a rate of about 0.8 cm per year.
While the movement is slow by human standards, it marks the beginning of a process that could culminate in the formation of a new ocean in about 1 million years, or sooner.
In the afar region of Ethiopia, the separation zone is 60 km long and up to 10 meters deep. In 2005, the area demonstrated the wear and tear when more than 420 earthquakes occurred in a short period of time, leading to the formation of a large crack. What usually takes centuries has happened in just a few days, challenging traditional views on the time scale of geological processes.
The formation of a new ocean could dramatically change the geography of Africa. Landlocked countries like Zambia and Uganda could have more coastline, reshaping their economies and ecosystems.
Potential impacts of the new ocean formation are expected to include geographical changes: The formation of new coastlines and the separation of the African continent.
Economic significance: The emergence of new trade opportunities for countries previously bordering the sea.
Ecosystem changes: Forming marine habitats in newly developed ocean basins.
Infrastructure challenges: Need for adjustment in land management and coastal infrastructure.
However, this process also poses significant challenges for researchers. Ebinger and her colleagues are refining models of tectonic plate movement, seismic activity and crust changes.
Their work not only sheds light on the mysteries of this phenomenon but also prepares the scientific community for broader impacts on the African continent.
