In a discovery that sounds straight out of a sci-fi movie, scientists now believe that the African continent is slowly breaking apart—and the dramatic process could eventually give birth to a brand-new ocean.

For decades, researchers debated why the African tectonic plates seem to be drifting apart. But a new study from the University of Glasgow offers a fresh perspective: extreme volcanic activity deep beneath the Earth might be the real force behind this continental split.

According to the lead researcher, Professor Finn Stewart of the University of Glasgow and the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, a massive pool of molten rock is pushing upward from about 2,900 kilometers beneath the surface, applying intense pressure on the Earth’s crust in Eastern Africa. This pressure is gradually tearing the continent into two.

This phenomenon is especially visible in the East African Rift System (EARS)—the largest active continental rift on Earth. Stretching nearly 3,500 kilometers, this rift is slowly pulling Eastern Africa away from the rest of the continent. Over millions of years, this could lead to the formation of an entirely new ocean where the land is currently splitting.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time continents have broken apart. Scientists point out that around 240 million years ago, Earth had just one massive landmass called Pangaea. Over time, that supercontinent split into the seven continents we know today. So, what’s happening in Africa might be history repeating itself.

The East African Rift System not only offers a fascinating glimpse into the Earth’s dynamic nature but also reminds us that our planet is constantly evolving—even if we can’t see it happen overnight.

With a new ocean in the making, this groundbreaking research sheds light on how continents drift and reshape the world map. As the East African Rift System continues to expand, scientists will be watching closely—because Africa’s transformation is far from over.