[Rockhounds] Earth’s Sixth Ocean Is Slowly Forming

[Kreigh Tomaszewski]

The Earth’s crust is constantly in motion, with tectonic plates shifting
imperceptibly over millions of years. Recently, researchers have identified
a remarkable occurrence : two sections of the African continent are slowly
drifting apart. This separation is paving the way for a new ocean to emerge
between them.

The process involves three major tectonic plates :

   - The African plate
   - The Arabian plate
   - The Somali plate

For approximately 30 million years, the Arabian plate has been gradually
moving away from the African continent. Simultaneously, the Somali plate is
separating from the African plate, creating a rift through the East African
Plate. This complex interaction of geological forces is driving the
formation of the new ocean.

The implications of this tectonic activity are far-reaching. If the current
trend continues, we may witness a dramatic transformation of the African
landscape. Landlocked countries like Zambia and Uganda could potentially
gain coastlines, fundamentally altering their geographic and economic
prospects.

https://indiandefencereview.com/earths-sixth-ocean-is-slowly-forming-a-fascinating-geological-phenomenon-unfolds/