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Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
'Pulsing, like a heartbeat': Rhythmic mantle plume rising beneath Ethiopia is creating a new ocean
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Rhythmic pulses of molten rock are rising beneath eastern Africa, according to a new study. The pulsing plume of hot mantle beneath Ethiopia, driven by plate tectonics, is slowly pulling the region apart and forming a new ocean near the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, researchers reported June 25 in the journal Nature Geoscience. "We have found that the evolution of deep mantle upwellings is intimately tied to the motion of the plates above," Derek Keir, an Earth scientist at the University of Southampton and the University of Florence, said in a statement. "This has profound implications for how we interpret surface volcanism, earthquake activity, and the process of continental breakup." The mantle plume lies under Ethiopia's Afar region, at the intersection of three tectonic plates. All of the rifts between these plates are different ages, and they are changing at different rates; some are in the process of forming new oceans, while others are pulling apart the crust beneath Africa. But the structure and motion of the plume, as well as the forces driving these movements, aren't well understood. To investigate the structure of the crust and the mantle plume beneath it, the scientists studied the chemical compositions of more than 130 samples of volcanic rocks from the Afar region. These samples provided information about the depth and composition of melted rock beneath the surface. The team also used computer models to determine how the region might respond to different kinds of mantle plumes and compared those responses to existing geological data. A single mantle plume lies beneath all three rifts, the researchers found, but its chemical composition is not uniform. Further, the molten rock surges upward rhythmically, leaving behind distinct chemical signatures. "The chemical striping suggests the plume is pulsing, like a heartbeat," Tom Gernon, an Earth scientist at the University of Southampton, said in the statement. "These pulses appear to behave differently depending on the thickness of the plate, and how fast it's pulling apart. In faster-spreading rifts like the Red Sea, the pulses travel more efficiently and regularly like a pulse through a narrow artery." RELATED STORIES —Study reveals 'flawed argument' in debate over when plate tectonics began —There's a 'ghost' plume lurking beneath the Middle East — and it might explain how India wound up where it is today —Africa is being torn apart by a 'superplume' of hot rock from deep within Earth, study suggests Varying spacing between the stripes in different rifts suggests that the mantle plume responds differently depending on the tectonic plates above. In places where the lithosphere — the crust and upper mantle — is thicker, the mantle flow is impeded, and the striping is more condensed. Under a thinner lithosphere, the stripes are more spread out. The findings could help scientists understand volcanic activity at the surface. "The work shows that deep mantle upwellings can flow beneath the base of tectonic plates and help to focus volcanic activity to where the tectonic plate is thinnest," Keir said in the statement. Future work in the Afar region could involve investigating the rate of mantle flow beneath the various plates, Keir added.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
A new ocean is forming in East Africa
Rhythmic pulsing deep beneath landlocked east Africa is literally tearing the continent apart. But while the effects won't arrive on the planet's surface for a while, the end result is an entirely new ocean basin above it. An international research team reached their conclusion after analyzing more than 130 samples from young volcanoes located across a rare geological region below Ethiopia. The evidence is laid out in a study published on June 25 in the journal Nature Geoscience. The Afar Rift zone is one of the few examples on Earth where three tectonic rifts converge. Experts previously theorized this juncture of the Main Ethiopian, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden Rifts contained an active, hot upwelling of molten mantle. If true, this area—often known as a plume—would display clear effects on the tectonic plates above it. Rift zones typically stretch and pull tectonic plates until they eventually rupture. But how the plume beneath Afar's is structured, how it behaves, and how it is influencing the crust above it have remained mysteries. To investigate, a 10-institution team led by Swansea University geoscientist Emma Watts traveled to Ethiopia where they collected over 130 rock samples from both the Afar region and the Main Ethiopian Rift. Researchers then combined sample analysis with existing data and advanced statistical modeling to explore the area's crust and mantle dynamics. As suspected, the Afar mantle plume isn't uniform or static. 'It pulses, and these pulses carry distinct chemical signatures,' Watts said in a statement. 'These ascending pulses of partially molten mantle are channelled by the rifting plates above. That's important for how we think about the interaction between Earth's interior and its surface.' Tom Gernon, a University of Southampton earth science professor and study co-author, likened the chemical striping to a heartbeat. 'These pulses appear to behave differently depending on the thickness of the plate, and how fast it's pulling apart,' he added. 'In faster-spreading rifts like the Red Sea, the pulses travel more efficiently and regularly like a pulse through a narrow artery.' The team also confirmed that deep mantle upwellings are closely tied to tectonic plate motion. According to study co-author and earth scientist Derek Keir, the findings have 'profound implications' for how geologists can better understand surface volcanism, earthquakes, and continental breakups. As to when Earth will see the birth of a new ocean basin—experts like Watts aren't sure. But that doesn't mean anyone needs to start worrying. 'In terms of timescales—it's hard to put an exact number to it given that rifting rates can change, so to be honest we can't know for sure,' Watts told Popular Science in an email. She noted for reference that their study area's rifting rates range between just 5-16 millimeters each year.'[So] one thing we do know is that it will be on the order of millions of years,' she added. 'Hopefully, our next work will get closer to some probabilistic estimates.' CORRECTION: 6/25/25 12:50PM: A previous version of this article misidentified the annual rift rate cited by Watts.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Science
- The Independent
The deep Earth discovery that could put a new ocean where a continent is
Scientists have detected rhythmic surges of molten mantle rock, described as similar to a heartbeat, deep beneath the African continent. These upward-surging pulses of hot mantle could eventually lead to the continent tearing apart and the formation of a new ocean over millions of years. Evidence for this phenomenon was found in the Afar region of Ethiopia, a triple junction where three tectonic rifts converge. Emma Watson, lead scientist of the study published in journal Nature Geoscience, explained that the mantle beneath Afar is not static but pulses, with these ascending molten channels being guided by the overriding rifting plates. The research highlights how deep mantle upwellings are linked to plate motion, influencing surface volcanism, earthquake activity, and the process of continental breakup. Something is 'pulsing' beneath the Earth, scientists say – and could tear a continent apart
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Mysterious deep Earth ‘heartbeat' pulsing beneath Africa will form NEW ocean as it splits continent in two
Its pulses are gradually tearing the continent apart, starting in the Afar region of Ethiopia CONTINENTAL DRIFT Mysterious deep Earth 'heartbeat' pulsing beneath Africa will form NEW ocean as it splits continent in two Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW ocean is forming beneath Ethiopia as a "heartbeat"-like pulse deep below the Earth's surface splits the African continent in two, according to scientists. While a new ocean will eventually give six countries a new coastline, neither you nor I will ever be able to swim in its waters. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The East African Rift System drives volcanic activity in places like the Erta Ale volcano in Ethiopia Credit: Getty 5 An international research team, led by Earth scientists at the University of Southampton, have discovered rhythmic surges of molten mantle rock rising from deep within the Earth. It is bubbling up beneath Africa - and its pulses are gradually tearing the continent apart, starting in the Afar region of Ethiopia. The Afar region is a rare place on Earth where three tectonic rifts converge: the Main Ethiopian Rift, the Red Sea Rift, and the Gulf of Aden Rift. Scientists previously thought Africa's tectonic plates, which collided to form large mountains and pulled apart to create vast basins millions of years ago, were simply moving apart again. However, a study in May suggested that intense volcanic activity deep underground may be fuelling the divide. Little was known about the hot upwelling of mantle and how it behaves beneath rifting tectonic plates - until now. The latest research, published in Nature Geoscience today, revealed that the giant fiery plume pulses like a "heartbeat" and is repeatedly pushing against the tectonic plate above it. When the tectonic plate eventually ruptures from the pressure, the continent will divide and a new ocean will flood in. "We found that the mantle beneath Afar is not uniform or stationary – it pulses, and these pulses carry distinct chemical signatures," lead author Dr Emma Watts, who conducted the research at the University of Southampton, said in a statement. Watts, who is now based at Swansea University, added: "These ascending pulses of partially molten mantle are channelled by the rifting plates above. Shocking moment 1,000ft fiery lava jet erupts in 6-hour volcano frenzy as scientists warn of wind spreading toxic gas "That's important for how we think about the interaction between Earth's interior and its surface." The team collected over 130 volcanic rock samples from across the Afar region and the Main Ethiopian Rift to piece together the structure of the deep Earth that is splitting. These pulses appear to behave differently depending on the thickness of the plate, and how fast it's pulling apart. Professor Tom Gernon, a co-author of the study Researchers found that the pattern of the rhythmic pulse is dictated by the tectonic plate it bubbles beneath - such as how the plate moves, or how thick it is. Professor Tom Gernon, a co-author of the study, said: "The chemical striping suggests the plume is pulsing, like a heartbeat. "These pulses appear to behave differently depending on the thickness of the plate, and how fast it's pulling apart. "In faster-spreading rifts like the Red Sea, the pulses travel more efficiently and regularly like a pulse through a narrow artery." 5 Women work on their farm near a chasm suspected to have been caused by a heavy downpour along an underground fault-line near the Rift Valley town of Mai Mahiu, Kenya in 2018 Credit: Reuters / Thomas Mukoya Associate professor Dr Derek Keir, another co-author of the study, said the findings had "profound implications" for how scientists understand volcanoes, earthquake activity, and the process of continental breakup. 'The work shows that deep mantle upwellings can flow beneath the base of tectonic plates and help to focus volcanic activity to where the tectonic plate is thinnest," he added. The East African Rift System (EARS) is the largest active continental rift system on Earth. It is in the process of ripping through around 2,175miles (3,500km) of Africa. In January, Ken Macdonald, a professor at the University of California, warned the continent was splitting at a faster rate than expected. Somalia and parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania will form a distinct continent, accompanied by a fresh coastline. The new ocean could become as deep as the Atlantic if waters continue to flow into the area, Macdonald added. While cracks are already appearing along the rift, it is not expected to fully rupture for another several million years. 5 A deep chasm next to a repaired section of road that had been washed away during a heavy downpour at Maai-Mahiu in 2018, around 54km southwest of Nairobi capital, Kenya Credit: Getty - Contributor
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Mysterious deep Earth ‘heartbeat' pulsing beneath Africa will form NEW ocean as it splits continent in two
A NEW ocean is forming beneath Ethiopia as a "heartbeat"-like pulse deep below the Earth's surface splits the African continent in two, according to scientists. While a new ocean will eventually give six countries a new coastline, neither you nor I will ever be able to swim in its waters. 5 The East African Rift System drives volcanic activity in places like the Erta Ale volcano in Ethiopia Credit: Getty 5 An international research team, led by Earth scientists at the University of Southampton, have discovered rhythmic surges of molten mantle rock rising from deep within the Earth. It is bubbling up beneath Africa - and its pulses are gradually tearing the continent apart, starting in the Afar region of Ethiopia. The Afar region is a rare place on Earth where three tectonic rifts converge: the Main Ethiopian Rift, the Red Sea Rift, and the Gulf of Aden Rift. Scientists previously thought Africa's tectonic plates, which collided to form large mountains and pulled apart to create vast basins millions of years ago, were simply moving apart again. READ MORE ON EARTH SCIENCE However, a in May suggested that intense volcanic activity deep underground Little was known about the hot upwelling of mantle and how it behaves beneath rifting tectonic plates - until now. The latest research, published in Nature Geoscience today, revealed that the giant fiery plume pulses like a "heartbeat" and is repeatedly pushing against the tectonic plate above it. When the tectonic plate eventually ruptures from the pressure, the continent will divide and a new ocean will flood in. Most read in Science "We found that the mantle beneath Afar is not uniform or stationary – it pulses, and these pulses carry distinct chemical signatures," lead author Dr Emma Watts, who conducted the research at the University of Southampton, said in a statement. Watts, who is now based at Swansea University, added: "These ascending pulses of partially molten mantle are channelled by the rifting plates above. Shocking moment 1,000ft fiery lava jet erupts in 6-hour volcano frenzy as scientists warn of wind spreading toxic gas "That's important for how we think about the interaction between Earth's interior and its surface." The team collected over 130 volcanic rock samples from across the Afar region and the Main Ethiopian Rift to piece together the structure of the deep Earth that is splitting. These pulses appear to behave differently depending on the thickness of the plate, and how fast it's pulling apart. Professor Tom Gernon, a co-author of the study Researchers found that the pattern of the rhythmic pulse is dictated by the tectonic plate it bubbles beneath - such as how the plate moves, or how thick it is. Professor Tom Gernon, a co-author of the study, said: "The chemical striping suggests the plume is pulsing, like a heartbeat. "These pulses appear to behave differently depending on the thickness of the plate, and how fast it's pulling apart. "In faster-spreading rifts like the Red Sea, the pulses travel more efficiently and regularly like a pulse through a narrow artery." 5 Women work on their farm near a chasm suspected to have been caused by a heavy downpour along an underground fault-line near the Rift Valley town of Mai Mahiu, Kenya in 2018 Credit: Reuters / Thomas Mukoya Associate professor Dr Derek Keir, another co-author of the study, said the findings had "profound implications" for how scientists understand volcanoes, earthquake activity, and the process of continental breakup. 'The work shows that deep mantle upwellings can flow beneath the base of tectonic plates and help to focus volcanic activity to where the tectonic plate is thinnest," he added. The East African Rift System (EARS) is the largest active continental rift system on Earth. It is in the process of ripping through around 2,175miles (3,500km) of Africa. In January, Ken Macdonald, a professor at the University of California, warned the continent was splitting at a Somalia and parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania will form a distinct continent, accompanied by a fresh coastline. The new ocean could become as deep as the Atlantic if waters continue to flow into the area, Macdonald added. While cracks are already appearing along the rift, it is not expected to fully rupture for another several million years. 5 A deep chasm next to a repaired section of road that had been washed away during a heavy downpour at Maai-Mahiu in 2018, around 54km southwest of Nairobi capital, Kenya Credit: Getty - Contributor 5 Damage caused by the rift at an intersection in Maai Mahiu-Narok, Kenya Credit: Nation
