The Earth is constantly evolving, shifting, and reshaping itself—a process that has been happening since its formation billions of years ago. From the supercontinent Pangaea to the seven continents we recognize today, our planet has undergone dramatic changes over time. Now, scientists have identified a new major geological transformation in progress—one that will eventually divide Africa in two and give birth to a brand-new ocean.
A Rift in the Heart of Africa
In the Afar region, where Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti meet, tectonic activity is accelerating the separation of the Somali and Nubian plates. This movement is laying the groundwork for what will eventually become a vast ocean, cutting through the African continent.
Known as “tectonic rifting,” this process was highlighted in a study published in Advanced Earth and Space Science and is being closely monitored by geologists around the world.
Currently, the Somali and Nubian plates are drifting apart at a rate of approximately 2.5 centimeters (about an inch) per year. While this might seem insignificant, in geological terms, it is an astonishing speed.
The first visible signs of this continental split emerged nearly 20 years ago when a massive 56-kilometer-long (35-mile) crack appeared in Ethiopia’s desert. Since then, additional fissures have been discovered across neighboring countries, indicating that the rifting process is well underway.
Kenyan geologist David Adede explained the phenomenon in a 2018 interview with Reuters, stating, “The cracks run almost in a straight line, so you can project where they will appear next. If you see one heading toward you, step aside!” His comment highlights the tangible and dynamic nature of this slow-motion disaster, which is gradually reshaping the land beneath the feet of millions.
When Will the New Ocean Be Born?
For years, scientists estimated that it would take at least 10 million years for the formation of the new ocean. However, recent studies suggest that the timeline could be much shorter—perhaps just 1 to 2 million years. In geological terms, that is nearly instantaneous.
What makes the Afar region particularly fascinating is that it sits at the junction of three tectonic plates—the Somali, Nubian, and Arabian plates—all of which are slowly pulling away from each other. As this divergence continues, the eventual widening of the rift will allow seawater from the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea to flood in, creating a new body of water and forever altering Africa’s landscape.
The ocean will flood in, making the African continent smaller, and a large island will emerge in the Indian Ocean, composed of parts of Ethiopia and Somalia, including the Horn of Africa. This means that within a few million years, today’s landlocked regions could become coastal areas, and what we now know as the Horn of Africa will be transformed into an island.
A Future That Will Reshape the World
Beyond its dramatic impact on Africa’s geography, the formation of a new ocean will have far-reaching consequences. Countries like Ethiopia and Uganda, which currently have no access to the sea, could become coastal nations, dramatically altering trade routes, economic opportunities, and geopolitical strategies. The shift will also influence climate patterns, biodiversity, and regional ecosystems.
This phenomenon is just one chapter in Earth’s long history of transformation. Scientists predict that in about 250 million years, the planet will undergo an even more radical shift with the formation of a new supercontinent—”Novopangaea” or “New Pangaea.” This colossal landmass will form as the Pacific Ocean closes, Australia merges with East Asia, and Antarctica moves northward, creating a unified continent once again.
While we won’t witness the birth of the new African ocean in our lifetimes, the geological forces driving this change are already in motion. As science continues to unlock the mysteries of our dynamic planet, we gain a greater appreciation for the incredible forces shaping the world beneath our feet.