Africa is Breaking Apart – True, It Won't Happen Tomorrow
East Africa is slowly splitting apart due to the massive geological rift known as the East African Rift.
The East African Rift, a significant geological feature in East Africa, is where the African continent is gradually separating into two parts. On one side lies the Nubian plate, while the Somali plate occupies the other side. Currently, these tectonic plates are moving away from each other at a rate of approximately six millimeters per year. Although this process might seem gradual, it has profound implications for the geography and future of the region. As the plates continue to shift, the rift could lead to notable changes in land formation, ecosystem dynamics, and even the human inhabitants of the area. Geologists and scientists monitor this phenomenon closely, as the eventual complete separation of the plates could incur significant geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic events. Understanding the mechanics and outcomes of this geological division is vital for predicting its long-term effects on East Africa's environment and its people.