Source: qz.com
Recently a large fissure appeared in south western Kenya, they believe that it is evidence that the East African Rift is shifting. The earth is comprised of layers, the land mass we live on is called the crust. In geologic terms the lithosphere is the layer of the upper mantle and the crust. This layer floats on the asthenosphere and is broken up into large tectonic plates. The plates do not move uniformly but they sometimes move in opposing directions.
Source: qz.com
It is not clearly understood why the tectonic plates move at different rates of speed and different directions but they are certain of the results. The continuous motion results in seismic activity like earthquakes. It is theorized that when the lithosphere is subjected to a horizontal force it will stretch and become thinner. Over continued stress a rift valley will be formed. A rift is considered to be the initial stage of a continental break up.
Source: qz.com
Rifts are topographically characterized by a series of fault bounded depressions surrounded by high terrain. The East African rift is a series of aligned rift valleys separated from each other by large bounding faults.
Source: qz.com
The shifting process happens over many decades and is somewhat unnoticed. We become aware when a fissure appears or a swarm of earthquakes are detected. Just like the theory that California will eventually relocate towards Alaska, there is evidence of Africa becoming two land masses.
Source: youtube.com
