An international effort showed that a 35-mile-long rift appeared in the deserts of Ethiopia in the Far Region in 2005, which is likely the beginning of an entirely new sea.
The researchers say that the tectonic plates of Africa and Arabia collided in the desert and gradually drifted apart for about 30 million years. According to them, both movements parted the Red Sea, according to The New Times.
According to Dr. Edwin Dindi of the Department of Geology at the University of Nairobi’s Department of Science and Technology, it is possible that an ocean is forming along the eastern side of the African Rift Valley.
“The eastern part of the Rift Valley is quite active, as you can see from the many shocks that are happening around it, but it will take a long time, maybe millions of years, for that to happen,” he said.
Geologists believe that the Earth was formed 4.5 billion years ago. Following the formation of the continental crust 3.2 billion years ago, the formation of the continental shelf began as the molten rocks beneath the earth’s surface pushed the pillars towards the land, forming a supercontinent.
Dindi said that the tectonic plates are in a state of motion, where some move past each other in fault zones, some fall under each other, while others collide with each other. each other, separating from each other in divergent plates. This movement led to the formation of the different continents we know today: Africa, South America, North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Also, Dindi said that the constant movement within the continental crust also led to the formation of the East African Rift Valley, which is constantly active and expanding, which could lead to the formation of a new ocean in Africa.
“But it won’t happen immediately, it will happen over millions of years. Remember that it took over 30 million years for the thickness around the Rift Valley to decrease from 40 kilometers to 35 kilometers, which means it will take many more years. to drop another 5 kilometers. “, said the scientist.
Note that the East African Rift Valley, also known as the Afro-Arab Rift Valley, is one of the largest rifts on Earth, stretching from Jordan in southwest Asia south to eastern Africa to Mozambique.
The system is about 6,400 kilometers long and averages 48 to 64 kilometers wide.
It will be recalled that last year the temperature of the oceans rose to a record level, which led to extremely hot weather.
Scientists have discovered a new continent emerging from the ocean
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Source: korrespondent
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.