Chapter 1: Geological Transformation of Africa

Africa, like other landmasses, is undergoing geological changes that have unfolded over millions of years. The question arises—when will we begin to observe the consequences of these processes?

The separations we recognize between continents—Europe, Asia, the Americas, Australia, Antarctica, and Africa—seem permanent, yet history suggests otherwise. Our planet has undergone significant transformations over vast time scales. Visual reconstructions of supercontinent formation serve as compelling evidence of this dynamic nature. Scientists assert that these transformative processes are consistently at work, albeit imperceptibly on a daily basis. What will the Earth resemble in millions of years?

Africa is at the heart of this ongoing transformation.

The continent is gradually dividing, with geologists predicting that, in the distant future, East Africa will separate from the remainder of the landmass. This shift could potentially give rise to a new ocean.

But why is this happening in Africa? The African tectonic plate is subdivided into two sections: the smaller Somali plate and the larger Nubian plate. A 2004 study published in Earth and Planetary Science reveals that these plates are drifting apart by a few millimeters each year.

The primary driver of this phenomenon is the East African Rift System, one of the planet's largest tectonic rift systems, stretching across several countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, and Mozambique.

In 2018, the world took notice when a fissure appeared in Kenya, drawing attention to Africa's gradual geological disintegration. However, scientists assure us that there is no immediate cause for alarm; the continent will not split in half anytime soon. A new ocean is projected to form between the Somali and Nubian plates over the next 5 to 10 million years.

Our planet is in a state of perpetual motion.

We can observe evidence of tectonic plate movements not only in Africa but also elsewhere. A notable example is the San Andreas Fault, which stretches approximately 1,200 kilometers in California, serving as a natural boundary between the Pacific and North American plates. This area is known for its seismic activity.

Another significant site is the Dead Sea Transform Fault in the Middle East, which runs along the southwestern shore of the sea, linking the Jordan Valley to the Gulf of Aqaba. This region is among the most seismically active worldwide, experiencing numerous earthquakes annually, including a major event in 1967.

Chapter 2: The Cycle of Supercontinents

The process of tectonic plates splitting and merging has been a recurring theme throughout Earth's geological history. The most renowned supercontinent, Pangea, formed around 300 million years ago from the amalgamation of Laurasia and Gondwana. Following its disintegration, continents often resemble pieces of a puzzle on the global map.

Researchers suggest that supercontinents form approximately every 250 million years. Projections indicate that the next supercontinent, dubbed Amazonia, is expected to emerge in the next 150 to 200 million years. While this may seem a long time, it is relatively brief in the context of geological history.

The formation of supercontinents significantly influences the Earth's geology, climate, and environment. Such events can lead to extreme climatic changes, affecting temperatures in different regions. Additionally, the emergence of a new supercontinent is likely to alter ocean currents, which could have profound consequences for our planet's ecosystems.