Is Africa Splitting Into Two Continents?

Africa is undergoing a process that may one day lead to it splitting into two continents, but it's a very slow process that will take millions of years to unfold, if at all.

The East African Rift

The split in the African continent is a geological process that is currently underway. It is called the East African Rift, and it is a divergent tectonic plate boundary where the African Plate is in the process of splitting into two tectonic plates, called the Somali Plate and the Nubian Plate. The rift is currently widening at a rate of 6-7 mm (1/4 inch) per year, which is a relatively slow rate. However, over millions of years, this slow widening could eventually lead to the continent splitting into two.

The East African Rift is a long, narrow valley that stretches for over 6,000 kilometers from the Red Sea in the north to Mozambique in the south. The rift is filled with a series of lakes, including Lake Turkana, Lake Malawi, and Lake Victoria. The rift is also home to a number of active volcanoes, including Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.  

Left: Map of the East African Rift Valley Right: A massive crack appeared in the East African Rift Valley of Kenya.

The East African Rift is a divergent tectonic plate boundary where the African Plate is in the process of splitting into two tectonic plates, called the Somali Plate and the Nubian Plate. While the process has started, the complete separation into two continents would take millions of years. For perspective, the Atlantic Ocean began forming when Africa and South America started to separate around 138 million years ago.

Recent events, like the appearance of large cracks in the earth, volcanic activity, and seismic events, are all manifestations of this ongoing tectonic activity. For instance, a significant crack in Ethiopia in 2005 was linked to this rifting process.

Scientists have been studying the East African Rift for many years, and there is still much that they do not know about it. One of the biggest questions is how long it will take for the rift to split the continent. Some scientists believe that it could happen in as little as 5 million years, while others believe that it could take much longer.

Cracks and faults that formed in September, 2005. Photo: Julie Rowland, University of Auckland.

There are a number of factors that could affect the rate of rifting, including the movement of tectonic plates, the amount of magma that is being produced, and the strength of the crust. If the rifting continues at its current rate, it is possible that the continent could split in a few tens of millions of years. However, it is also possible that the rifting could slow down or stop altogether.

If the East African Rift does eventually split the continent, it is likely to have a significant impact on the region. The new ocean that would form between the two continents would alter the climate and ecology of the region, and it would also create new opportunities for trade and communication.

It is still too early to say for sure whether or not the East African Rift will split the continent. However, the evidence suggests that it is a possibility, and it is something that scientists are continuing to study. 

Evidence of Rifting: Geological surveys and satellite imagery reveal a gradual widening of the rift, accompanied by occasional volcanic and seismic activity.

Slow Process: The rifting process is happening at a very slow rate, estimated at around 6-7 millimeters (0.25 inches) per year. At this pace, a complete separation would take tens of millions of years.

Uncertain Future: Whether the rift will eventually evolve into a full-fledged seaway separating two continents is uncertain. Geological forces like subduction or changes in plate movement could potentially slow down or even halt the rifting process. Some geologists even propose the possibility of the rift failing altogether.

In Conclusion

The idea of Africa splitting into two continents is a captivating concept, but it's a long way off in the geological timescale. The ongoing rifting is a testament to the dynamic nature of Earth's crust, but its ultimate outcome remains uncertain.