The African continent is undergoing a geological transformation that could redefine the planet's geography. Scientists predict that a new ocean will eventually form from a rift in the Afar Triangle, located in the Horn of Africa, a process that could take millions of years.
This monumental event is a direct consequence of the movement of tectonic plates, specifically the Nubian, Somali, and Arabian plates. The Somali plate is moving away from the Nubian plate, pulling apart the Earth's crust. This rifting process has been ongoing for millions of years, but a major event in 2005, when a 35-mile-long rift opened in Ethiopia's desert, brought the phenomenon to public attention.
As the rift continues to widen, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden will eventually submerge the rift valley, creating a new ocean basin. This new sea, the sixth ocean on Earth, will not only transform Africa's geography but also its geopolitical and ecological landscape.
The emergence of this new ocean will have significant implications for human populations and ecosystems. While the exact mechanism of this division remains unclear, scientists agree that it will inevitably result in the dislocation of the continent, particularly for those living along the rift. The opening of new ports, fishing grounds, and undersea internet infrastructure will radically shift the economic potential of these regions, leading to industrial and technological development. Additionally, the emergence of a new ocean will lead to distinctive ecological environments, fostering marine diversity, as well as supporting scientific inquiries pertaining to oceanic evolution.