A new research contradicts previous theories and points out that the slit that is dividing Africa into two has a unique cause.
A recent published in Geophysical Research Letters allowed Identify the tectonic forces which tear oriental Africa into the depths of the earth, on the border between the planet’s nucleus and the cloak.
The discoveries challenge previous theories that suggested that the East Africa System System (EARS) is powered by smaller and smaller feathers and instead point to a huge and singular influx of hot cloak material – known as the Superpluma Africana – Like the driving force.
The crack of eastern Africa is the largest active continental slot From the planet, where tectonic activity is gradually dividing the African continent into two. So far, geologists debated whether this dramatic geological event resulted from a wide and deep pluma or more superficial multiple cloak outcrops.
The investigators examined the noble gases isotopes – Especially Helium and Néon – imprisoned in the magma throughout the fissure to solve this issue. These gases serve as chemical fingerprints of geological activity: their isotopic reasons remain virtually unchanged from earth formation and may indicate whether magma comes from the depths of the cloak or more superficial sources.
Unshamitted sample collection is usually difficult and expensive. However, the team took advantage of the drilling efforts in the Geothermal field of Menengai, in Kenya, where the Geothermal Energy Exploration It offered a rare access to deep terrestrial gases. Additional samples were collected from springs in the region, as well as in northern places near the Red Sea, and south in Malawi.
Isotopic data from all places showed remarkable similarities, suggesting A unique and deep source of cloak materialinstead of isolated local feathers. In addition, the racings coincide with those found in Hawaiian volcanic rocks, widely considered a classic example of a deep cloak pluma, providing convincing evidence that East Africa’s slit system shares a similar origin, reports.
In contrast, the gases of South Africa, where a slit is not occurring, had isotope ratios that suggest a higher and higher mantlic origin.
“Our investigation suggests that a Gigantic Rock Hot Bubble From the border between the nucleus and the cloak is present under Eastern Africa, ”said the main author of the Fin Stuart study.” It is separating the plates and sustaining the African continent, which is hundreds of meters higher than normal. “
