In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified a massive slit in southeastern Africa that could potentially lead to the creation of Earth’s sixth ocean. Published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters, the peer-reviewed study reveals that tectonic plates in the region are slowly drifting apart at a rate of a few millimeters per year.

Over millions of years, this geological phenomenon might split the African continent in two and reshape the planet's geography.

A New Ocean in the Making

Currently, Earth is home to five major oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic Oceans. If this new ocean forms, it would mark a monumental shift in Earth’s geography. The phenomenon, known as the East African Rift System (EARS), was first observed in 2005, although its origins can be traced back 22 million years.

EARS represents a significant geological process driven by the movement of tectonic plates. These enormous slabs of solid rock, powered by forces deep within the Earth, have been reshaping the planet’s surface for millions of years. The rift is formed by the gradual separation of two tectonic plates—the Somali Plate to the east and the Nubian Plate to the west.

This slow but steady divergence is deepening the rift, which could eventually flood with water, giving rise to a new ocean. Scientists predict that countries currently landlocked in Africa’s interior, such as Ethiopia and Uganda, could one day enjoy coastlines.

The Geological Process

The rifting process is akin to the events that led to the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea millions of years ago. Back then, South America and Africa were part of a single landmass before tectonic activity pulled them apart, forming the Atlantic Ocean.

The East African Rift is undergoing a similar transformation. According to research, the plates are moving apart at a rate of just a few millimeters per year—a speed comparable to the growth of human fingernails. This slow motion might seem negligible on a human timescale, but over millions of years, it could have profound consequences.

Ken Macdonald, a marine geophysicist and professor emeritus at the University of California, explains that the rift could eventually lead to a massive influx of water from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden into the East African Rift Valley. Over millions of years, this could transform parts of East Africa into an isolated mini-continent surrounded by water.

A Timeline for Transformation

While the prospect of a new ocean and altered coastlines is fascinating, researchers caution that this process is far from imminent. Estimates suggest it could take between 5 to 10 million years for the African continent to split entirely.

During this time, the gradual widening of the rift will reshape the region’s topography, creating new ecosystems and possibly altering global climate patterns. However, the immediate impact on human populations and infrastructure remains minimal due to the slow pace of tectonic activity.

Implications of a Sixth Ocean

The creation of a sixth ocean would not only redefine Earth’s geography but also present unique opportunities and challenges. It could:

Introduce new coastlines and maritime routes for countries like Ethiopia and Uganda.

Foster rich marine biodiversity in a newly formed body of water.

Present opportunities for scientific research into tectonic activity, climate impacts, and ocean formation.

However, this monumental change would also disrupt ecosystems, require adjustments to geopolitical boundaries, and pose challenges for infrastructure in the affected regions.

A Glimpse Into Earth's Future

The East African Rift is a testament to the Earth’s dynamic and ever-changing nature. While the creation of a sixth ocean may seem distant, it serves as a reminder of the incredible geological forces shaping our planet. As scientists continue to study this phenomenon, it underscores the interconnectedness of Earth’s processes and the vast timescales required for these transformations to unfold.

In millions of years, our descendants may witness a planet reshaped by this ancient yet ongoing tectonic dance, with a new ocean as its crowning feature.