Scientists say Africa is slowly breaking apart, and over millions of years, this split could lead to the formation of a completely new ocean.
What’s Happening?
This is all because of a geological process known as the East African Rift System — a long crack in the Earth’s crust that runs through countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
Beneath the surface, tectonic plates (huge slabs of Earth’s crust) are pulling away from each other. This causes the land to stretch, crack, and sink, creating deep rift valleys.
What Have Scientists Observed?
In 2005, a massive crack appeared in Ethiopia, stretching 60 km long — in just 10 days!
In 2018, a large fissure suddenly opened up in Kenya, shocking locals.
The region is also showing volcanic activity and earthquakes, common signs of continental rifting.
How Does a New Ocean Form?
If this continues for millions of years, the eastern part of Africa (including the Horn of Africa) could split off completely. As the land pulls apart, seawater from nearby oceans could flood in — just like it happened when the Red Sea and Atlantic Ocean were formed long ago.
But Don’t Worry…
This is a very slow process — the plates move only a few millimeters each year. It may take 5 to 10 million years for a full ocean to form.
Still, it’s amazing to realize how alive and dynamic our planet is — changing right beneath our feet!
Have you ever heard about the East African Rift? Would you like to visit a place that’s shaping the future of Earth’s geography? 
Let’s talk about it in the comments!