|Massive Rift Valley Split in Kenya, Geologists Say it'll Form a New Continent|
Eastern Africa is splitting from the rest of the continent in a geological event that will occur in millions of years, eventually leaving Africa without its horn.
It's happening quicker than anyone thought as well - although it's worth pointing out that when we say 'quick' we are talking in geological terms, which means within a few million years.
Whilst it's unlikely to suddenly break off and fall into the Indian Ocean next Thursday, it is already causing consequences.
Geologists thinks it is all down to volcanic activity. Specifically, a Superplume.
The geologic rift running down the eastern side of the continent, which will be replaced with ocean, is widening at a faster rate than expected, geologically speaking.
And it may already be causing problems. Kenya's busy Mai Mahiu road caved in after it developed a volcanic fault-line, the Kenya National Highways Authority said.
Mai mahiu road cracks again, motorists stuck in slow moving traffic https://t.co/DiMqWG6S8O pic.twitter.com/gi3xTnRGbK— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) March 18, 2018
Geologist David Adede blames the split - where sections of the road sunk, endangering drivers and holding up traffic, according to The Star - on volcanic activity.
In an interview with NTV, he said: The Great Rift splits Africa into two plates. With what is happening we have established one plate which is the Somali plate is moving away from the other plate at a rate of 2.5cm.
He explained that after the road cracked, a big hole opened up and swallowed all the water (there had been recent flooding in the area), resulting in more cracks in the ground.
He added: There is a great need for researchers to conduct a comprehensive study on the terrain of this region so that they can advise on where roads and residential buildings can be established.
This can play a key role in dealing with such natural disasters should they happen.
The two massive chunks of land - the Nubian plate and the Somali plate - are separating by a few millimetres each year due to a 'superplume', a giant section of the earth's mantle that carries heat from near the core up to the crust.