Earth set to change forever: a sixth ocean “on the verge of forming”

A geological phenomenon is occurring in the heart of East Africa that could forever alter the Earth’s map.

A new ocean is in the process of forming, a consequence of tectonic movements that are splitting the African continent. This event, which could happen in the next five to ten million years, will mark the creation of a sixth ocean, an unprecedented geological event in our planet’s recent history.

Could Earth get another ocean?

Currently, Earth is mostly covered by water, with five recognised oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans. However, scientists predict that a sixth ocean could emerge due to the separation of the Somali Plate from the Nubian Plate in a region known as the Great Rift Valley, which stretches from Ethiopia to Mozambique.

This geological process, driven by the Earth’s internal forces, is due to the divergence of tectonic plates that are splitting the African continent. In some areas, such as Ethiopia and Kenya, cracks and fissures have already formed on the Earth’s surface, indicating that the separation is underway.

As the plates continue to move, it is expected that the Horn of Africa will break away from the rest of the continent, allowing the Indian Ocean to flood the area and form a new body of water.

A Geologically Active Region

The Great Rift Valley is one of the most geologically active regions in the world. Here, the Earth’s crust is stretching, facilitating the formation of fissures and the sinking of land blocks. Additionally, this region is known for its intense volcanic and seismic activity, which evidences the constant movement of tectonic plates. Volcanoes like Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Nyiragongo, along with frequent earthquakes, are clear signs that the Earth is in constant flux.

This type of continental separation is not unprecedented in geological history. A similar phenomenon occurred when the Mariana Trench formed as a result of the collision between the Pacific Plate and the Philippine Plate. Although the creation of a sixth ocean is a long-term process, scientists assure that this event will change the configuration of the continents as we know them.

Other Tectonic Changes on the Horizon

However, the creation of new oceans is not the only geological phenomenon that could alter the Earth’s geography. In fact, some experts suggest that India is also experiencing tectonic division that could lead to the separation of this continent in the future, resulting in the formation of a new continent. This phenomenon is also expected to occur within millions of years, as tectonic plates continue their inexorable movement.

The formation of a sixth ocean, and the tectonic shifts that lie ahead, are proof that Earth is a dynamic, ever-evolving planet. Although these events occurred over millions of years, they remind us that the planet is ‘alive’, and that in the distant future, Earth will be a very different place than we know it today.

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Original article written by Mario Sáez, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Joe Brennan.