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Study Reveals Mantle Upwellings Could Split Horn of Africa

9/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the University of Southampton examined mantle upwellings beneath the Afar Depression in East Africa, uncovering their complex structure.
The asymmetrical upwelling consists of various hot mantle materials and responds to tectonic plate movements.
This study connects mantle chemistry to plate dynamics, affecting volcanic activity and continental breakup.
The upwelling erodes the lithosphere, potentially causing the Horn of Africa to separate from the mainland.
Future research will map mantle flow beneath tectonic plates and its effects on volcanic vents.

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Story summary

Researchers from the University of Southampton examined mantle upwellings beneath the Afar Depression in East Africa, uncovering their complex structure.
The asymmetrical upwelling consists of various hot mantle materials and responds to tectonic plate movements.
This study connects mantle chemistry to plate dynamics, affecting volcanic activity and continental breakup.
The upwelling erodes the lithosphere, potentially causing the Horn of Africa to separate from the mainland.
Future research will map mantle flow beneath tectonic plates and its effects on volcanic vents.