The job of Geology is to study Earth sciences. The latest studies from Northwestern University reveal that the Earth continues to move and evolve. The Earth’s mantle continues to shift, especially within the perimeter of the Pacific ring of fire. On the one hand, a fissure was detected in 2005 through Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. Despite the importance of this event, the relevant news is that a new ocean is forming encircling the mantle. In addition, a mineral called ringwoodite has been found beneath the earth’s surface, which suggests that there is water below the surface.
Africa and a new ocean
The African continent is a protagonist for being host of two events that are revealing Geology and Hydrology. In 2005, a rift of approximately 35 miles was detected under the Ethiopian desert. This is how the East African Rift emerged. This rift assumes that the African continent is splitting in two. The Somali tectonic plate is responsible for this movement and separation. However, the movement of the plates is slow, so the division would not be complete for about 5-10 million years. What would happen then? The separation of the continent would give rise to a new ocean. It has long been known that tectonic plates are in constant motion. However, geologists are immersed in this case as it is unprecedented.
Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
Although the separation of tectonic plates lasted millions of years and occurs very slowly, residents have already noticed the effects. They have already experienced several earthquakes and even volcanic eruptions. Logically, this causes mismatches in the population, which in time will have to be relocated. But this would not be the only consequence. With this event, both geography and marine biodiversity, and even climate, will be affected by the birth of this new ocean.
Earth water cycle
Did you think the fact that Africa is splitting in two was surprising? Researchers have discovered a water deposit 700 kilometers deep. This is an underground sea with ringwoodtie, which indicates that it can store more water than all the oceans combined! To date, researchers have not been able to explain the origin of water. However, this new discovery discards theories such as that it was brought by an asteroid, and reinforces the claim that it is located at the deepest point on the planet. This represents a radical change in the current understanding of water on Earth. How does water flow through the planet? Do these water reservoirs serve to replenish the water in our oceans? Does water affect earthquakes or volcanic eruptions? It seems that geologists have a lot of work ahead.
The future of Earth is uncertain
Currently, these events are the most studied given their implication. It is clear that the event lasted millions of years, but its repercussions were felt throughout the process. The formation of an ocean in eastern Africa will lead to changes in climate and geography. On the other hand, the deposit found in the depths puts everything known at risk and forces researchers to rethink all schemes. These findings give experts an opportunity to learn and observe the implications of creating a new ocean. They will be able to enjoy and study the birth of new ecosystems and marine biodiversity.
A source of live knowledge that also helps to understand the Earth’s behavior from a geological point of view. It will extend or correct what is known so far about different natural disasters, especially earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.How stimulating and beautiful it is to see that there are not yet things to discover and that our planet continues to keep secrets that it unveils at the pace it deems appropriate.