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| Africa Continent and Some Earthquakes in Africa |
Introduction
A slew of 92 earthquakes slammed the Goma region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on May 22, 2021, wreaking havoc and killing many Congolese citizens. These earthquakes' effects, meanwhile, did not stop in the Congo. India's coastal regions—Mumbai, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala—started to scare people about the potential of becoming snow-cold deserts like Tibet. Although it may seem impossible, there is proof for this assertion.
The Division of Africa
Under the direction of Douwe Van Hinsbergen, geologists at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands have been researching the tectonic movements of the Earth's plates. They found that the African continent is actively fracturing into the Nubian plate and the Somalian plate through computer simulations. The Somalayas, a new mountain range, will emerge if these plates fully split and the newly created Somalian plate collides with India's western coast. Their simulations show that the Somalayas will surpass the Himalayas in height.
Ramifications for the west coast of India
The impact of the collision between the western coast of India and the Somalian plate will be substantial. The sandy beaches of Gujarat, Goa, Kerala, and Mumbai will become desolate, icy wasteland akin to Ladakh and Tibet. From where they are now only a few metres above sea level, these places will rise to a height of half that of Mount Everest. The area will become a chilly plateau as the average temperature decreases from 30 degrees Celsius to a range of 0 to 5 degrees Celsius.
Indications of Africa's Division
Africa's division into two plates is not a recent occurrence. The occurrence dates back millions of years. After measuring the rate of separation, scientists discovered that the two plates are drifting apart at a speed of 67 millimetres each year. When uneven patches and fissures were noticed in Kenya 150 years ago, the proof of this division was found. These fractures, which show the division of a tectonic plate, extended from the northern tip of Africa to Ethiopia and Mozambique.
A Distinct Phenomenon
Although earthquakes and tectonic movements happen all around the planet, the division of Africa is particularly significant. Due to the division of Africa, the East African Rift has been essential to the evolution of humans. This region's fossils, which date from 2 to 7 million years ago, indicate how humans evolved from arboreal to bipedal species. Humans had to adapt to their new surroundings by learning to walk on two feet as a result of the collapse of Africa's lush forests into dry grasslands, which helped to evolve their minds and advance their species.
Effect on Different Species
More than 500 species are exclusive to this area due to the division of Africa and the distinct habitat the East African Rift created. These creatures have adapted through evolution to withstand the severe rift environment. These animals survived the migration of people to other continents, demonstrating their capacity for adaptation and survival. This emphasises the idea of survival of the fittest and the possibility that, in the event that conditions alter, other species may overtake humans as the dominant species.
Conclusion
There are major ramifications from Africa separating into two plates and then colliding with the western coast of India. India's coastline areas might turn into icy deserts that mimic Tibet's and Ladakh's environments. The division of Africa has influenced the evolution of humans and continues to have an effect on the variety of species found in the area. It serves as a reminder that we should respect the strength and influence of natural processes and that human domination on Earth is not assured. It is crucial that we value inquiry, lifelong learning, and personal development as we make our way through the complexity of our ever changing environment.
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