Is a Sixth Ocean Really Going to Form in Africa?
The concept of a sixth ocean forming in Africa is a fascinating topic that delves into the dynamic nature of our planet's geology. With 71% of the Earth's surface covered by water, the possibility of a new ocean emerging could entail massive changes in the planet's geography. But is this truly happening, or is it just speculation? Let's delve into the intriguing phenomenon unfolding in the Afar Triangle, also known as the Afar Depression, located in the Horn of Africa. This geological depression is where three tectonic plates—the Nubian, Somali, and Arabian plates—converge, forming part of the East African Rift system that extends from the Afar region down through eastern Africa. The rifting process occurring in the Afar Triangle is the result of these tectonic plates slowly moving apart, a phenomenon that has been ongoing for millions of years. In 2005, a significant event brought attention to this slow-moving process when a 35-mile-long rift opened up in the Ethiopian...
