Context:
African continent is undergoing a significant geological event in the Afar Triangle
Afar Triangle:
- Also known as – Afar Depression or Danakil Depression
- Situated in – Horn of Africa
- Part of – East African Rift system
- Geological Significance – It lies at the junction of 3 tectonic plates
- Arabian Plate and the two parts of the African Plate (Nubian and Somalian plate).
- Climate – One of the world’s lowest and hottest places.
Phenomenon:
- 3 plates are separating at different speeds – Arabian Plate is moving away from Africa at a rate of about an inch per year, while the two African plates are separating even slower.
- Key factors driving the rifting process –
- Massive plume of superheated rocks rising from the mantle beneath East Africa.
- This plume could be exerting pressure on the overlying crust, causing it to stretch and fracture
- Possible Outcomes –
- As the Somali and Nubian tectonic plates continue to pull apart from each other, a smaller continent will be created from the rift including present-day Somalia and parts of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania.
- Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea will flood into the Afar region in Ethiopia and the East African Rift Valley, leading to the formation of world’s 6th ocean.
Notable Geologic Features in Afar Triangle:
- Erta Ale – Active shield volcano in Danakil Depression.
- Dallol – Salt dome volcano with colourful mineral formations from hot springs.
- Lake Asale, Lake Dalol and Lake Afrera – Salt lakes in Danakil Depression known for extensive salt mining.
- Gara Winds – Hot, dry winds that blow across Danakil Depression, increasing heat stress.
Source: Times of India
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following is a part of the Congo Basin?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023]
(a) Cameroon
(b) Nigeria
(c) South Sudan
(d) Uganda
Answer: (a)
