Why Africa Is Breaking Apart

Summary

The video follows a fascinating journey to the Afar region in Ethiopia, where a massive geological rift is splitting Africa apart. This new ocean formation began in 2005, and the explorers, using satellite imagery and expert advice, venture into one of the hottest and most active volcanic areas on Earth. Along the way, they uncover the science behind the East African Rift, witness the region's volatile landscape, and learn about the local Afar people, whose nomadic lifestyle is deeply intertwined with the ever-changing environment. The journey documents the birth of a new ocean and offers a glimpse into Earth's ongoing transformation.

Takeaways

• 😀 A massive crack in Ethiopia's Afar region, known as the Bahu Fisher, opened in 2005, signaling the continent's slow but ongoing break-up.
• 😀 The East African Rift, stretching 6,000 km from the Red Sea to Mozambique, is where Africa's tectonic plates are drifting apart, creating new geological features.
• 😀 Satellite and field research have confirmed that the 60 km-long dyke of solidified magma is part of the rifting process, with the land splitting by up to 8 meters.
• 😀 In millions of years, a new ocean will likely form in the region as the Arabian and Nubian plates continue to separate.
• 😀 The Afar region, an extremely hot and volcanic area, is a hotspot of geological activity, with temperatures regularly exceeding 50°C.
• 😀 Despite the harsh environment, the Afar region is home to around 2 million people, most of whom live as nomadic pastoralists, dependent on goats and camels.
• 😀 The East African Rift's geological activity has formed iconic landmarks like Mount Kilimanjaro, influencing regional climates and ecosystems.
• 😀 The rifting process in the Afar region is ongoing, and it is likely that Ethiopia could have a coastline in millions of years, though the future is uncertain.
• 😀 Local residents use volcanic water systems, collecting water from geothermal vents in the area, adapting to the harsh environment and chronic water shortages.
• 😀 Despite ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia, especially in the Afar region, locals continue to live traditional lives and have adapted to the dynamic and dangerous geological landscape.

Q & A

What is the main geological phenomenon being discussed in the video?

The video focuses on the splitting of the African continent, specifically the formation of a new ocean in the East African Rift system, where tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart.

What triggered the formation of the Bahu Fisher in Ethiopia?

The Bahu Fisher opened in 2005 due to a volcanic eruption at the Dabu volcano, which caused significant geological shifts and created a massive rift in the Earth's crust.

Why is the Afar region in Ethiopia significant for this geological process?

The Afar region is significant because it is where three tectonic plates meet: the Nubian (African) plate, the Arabian plate, and the Somali plate. This area is the site of active continental rifting, where the Earth is literally splitting apart.

How did the team verify the authenticity of the photo of the rift?

The team verified the authenticity of the photo by confirming that the photographer, Anthony Philpot, is a geologist who captured the image in the Afar region. The photo was also featured in reputable outlets like NBC, indicating its credibility.

What role did Dr. Derek Kier play in the investigation of the East African Rift?

Dr. Derek Kier, an associate professor in earth science, played a crucial role in explaining the location and significance of the Bahu Fisher. He provided expertise on the geology of the area and helped the team understand the rifting process.

What is the East African Rift system, and how does it relate to the formation of new landmasses?

The East African Rift system is a 6,000 km long rift where tectonic plates are pulling apart, causing the Earth's crust to become thinner and eventually crack. Over millions of years, this process may result in the formation of new oceanic landmasses as the continent splits further.

How fast do tectonic plates move in the East African Rift system?

Tectonic plates in the East African Rift system move at speeds of up to 20 mm per year, which is approximately the speed at which human fingernails grow.

What are the potential future outcomes for the East African Rift?

In 5 to 10 million years, the rift may evolve into a new ocean, as water from the Red Sea could flood into the region, splitting the African continent further. However, some scientists believe that the rifting might not completely divide Africa.

How did the local Afar people adapt to the harsh environment of the rift?

The Afar people, who are mainly pastoralists, have adapted to the harsh desert environment by using the region's volcanic activity to access underground water sources. They collect water from hot vents and fractures near the volcanoes.

What challenges do the Afar people face due to the region's volcanic activity and climate?

The Afar people face challenges such as recurring droughts, water shortages, disease outbreaks, and internal conflicts. Despite these hardships, they have learned to use the geothermal activity to their advantage, obtaining water from hot springs and vapor vents.