The East African Rift System is slowly causing parts of eastern Africa to break off, potentially creating a sixth ocean in 1 to 20 million years. Countries like Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Eritrea may see new coastlines and climate changes as tectonic activity allows water from the Indian Ocean to flood the rift. This process, characterized by a separation rate of 0.3 inches per year, has historical precedents in regions like Saudi Arabia, and could also lead to the formation of new geology.
"In the future, as extension continues along the rift, the rift valley will sink lower and lower eventually allowing ocean waters to flood into the basin."
"This area is part of the East African Rift System (EARS), home to an active continental rift zone, where one plate is slowly pulling away from another one."
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