Researchers find a steady pulse within the Earth that has the potential to split Africa.
Directly beneath the African continent, scientists have found what they call a "geological pulse" coming from within the Earth. This pulse may be preparing for the eventual division of Africa into two continental masses.
Based on geochemical analysis of about 130 volcanic rock samples gathered in the northwest Ethiopian region of Afar, the discovery was published in the journal Nature Geoscience.
In addition to having a high rate of volcanic activity, this region is among the most susceptible to tectonic fractures worldwide.
The study found that parts of the Earth's molten mantle rise in regular, periodic pulses through rift zones, which are weak spots.
Emma Watts, a geologist at Swansea University, says, "The mantle beneath the Afar is neither uniform nor stable."
The African crust is weakened by the pressure of these subducting pulses, which could eventually cause the continent to split apart and give rise to a new ocean.
According to geologist Tom Gernon of the University of Southampton, "these pulses seem to behave differently depending on the thickness of the tectonic plate and the speed at which it is moving apart."
Scientists predict that this finding will fundamentally alter our understanding of earthquakes, volcanic activity, and global tectonics.