Deep beneath Ethiopia’s Afar Rift, scientists have detected rhythmic surges of molten mantle rock—geologic heartbeats powerful enough to thin Earth’s crust, pry Africa apart, and seed a future ocean. Chemical “barcodes” in volcanic rocks reveal that these pulses rise in waves, guided by shifting tectonic plates and varying with plate thickness and spreading speed. The […]



Summary

Scientists have discovered rhythmic pulses of molten rock surging beneath Ethiopia’s Afar Rift, acting as geologic “heartbeats.” These pulses, identified through chemical analysis of volcanic rocks, are strong enough to thin the Earth’s crust and contribute to Africa’s split, potentially leading to a new ocean. The pulses rise in waves, influenced by the movement of tectonic plates, their thickness, and spreading speed. This discovery offers insights into the complex processes driving continental breakup and ocean formation, revealing a dynamic, pulsating engine deep within the Earth.

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