Researchers have discovered a rhythmic pulse from the mantle beneath Africa, specifically in the Afar region of Ethiopia. This pulse, consisting of bursts of molten rock, is pushing against the continent's crust and may lead to the continent's fragmentation over millions of years. By analyzing volcanic rock samples, scientists gained insights into the mantle's complex movement and its interaction with tectonic plates. This research ultimately shifts our understanding of geological processes, highlighting how mantle dynamics influence surface tectonics and continental drift.
This study reveals that the mantle beneath Africa is active, pulsing, and responsible for the eventual splitting of the continent into pieces.
"We found that the mantle beneath Afar is not uniform or stationary. It pulses, and these pulses carry distinct chemical signatures."
"These pulses appear to behave differently depending on the thickness of the plate, and how fast it's pulling apart."
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