Scientists have discovered that tectonic changes in the Afar region (Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti) could lead to the formation of a new ocean. The process of plate divergence is happening faster than expected, and within a few million years the Horn of Africa could become a separate island.
The African continent is experiencing massive tectonic changes that could radically alter its geography. In the Afar region, where the Nubian, Somali and Arabian tectonic plates converge, a giant crack has formed. Scientists note that the process of plate divergence is accelerating due to volcanic activity, and the waters of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden are already beginning to fill the fault.
It was originally thought that the formation of a new ocean would take 8–10 million years. However, recent research suggests that this could happen much faster – in just a few million years or less. This will cause the Horn of Africa region to break away from the main continent and become an island.
The formation of a new ocean will not only change the geography of Africa, but will also create a unique underwater ecosystem. Scientists continue to monitor the process, emphasizing that the Earth remains a dynamic planet whose appearance continues to change.
Source: izyskateli.info
