A new study by University of Southampton scientists reveals rhythmic pulses of molten rock beneath Africa’s Afar region. These deep Earth surges are gradually pulling the continent apart and may lead to the formation of a new ocean. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, shows how mantle plumes interact with tectonic plates in a complex and dynamic process of continental breakup.

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• Pulses of molten rock rise from deep Earth under Africa’s Afar region.
• May split Africa and form a new ocean over millions of years.
• Mantle plume found to pulse like a heartbeat beneath tectonic plates.
• Plume’s chemical layers align with rift directions, like geological barcodes.
• Detected pulses vary with plate thickness and rift speed.
• Study involved 10 global institutions, including universities from UK, Italy, Germany, and Ethiopia.
• Over 130 volcanic rock samples analyzed using advanced modelling.
• Afar sits where three tectonic rifts meet—rare on Earth.
• Findings explain patterns of surface volcanism and earthquakes.
• Helps predict future continental breakups and ocean formation.