A recent study published in Frontiers in Earth Science indicates that Earth’s mantle may be leaking along Central Africa’s Kafue Rift, potentially forming a new plate boundary that could split the continent in half. Researchers identified unexpectedly high levels of helium isotopes in hot springs in Zambia, suggesting a direct connection to the mantle and allowing materials to reach the crust. Lead author Ruta Carolite from the University of Oxford states this area is now geologically active.
Co-author Mike Daly explained that rifts are large cracks causing gradual surface subsidence, but they often cease activity before fully forming plate boundaries. The Kafue Rift has long attracted attention due to its unique features, including active fault scarps and low-level seismic activity.
To gather evidence, the research team analyzed gas samples from geothermal wells, finding high helium isotope levels consistent with mantle fluids. The findings point to the possibility of sub-Saharan Africa’s breakup. However, Daly cautioned that the results are preliminary and further studies are in progress to explore the broader region for similar anomalies.
The study also suggests that these emerging rift valleys could present economic opportunities, as they may host geothermal energy and resources like helium and hydrogen.
