Story perspectives

New Research Reveals Strengthening of Earth's Tectonic Plates

11/7/2025

28 5

Summary

Story summary

Imperial College London researchers led by Dr. Rita Kounoudis report that thinned tectonic plates in the Turkana Depression, located in northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia, can strengthen Earth's plates.
The researchers used a network of seismic monitoring stations to study the region's lithosphere.
They find the lithosphere behaves like a cold, rigid lid above a hot mantle.
The findings may influence global understanding of continental rifting and geological history.

1 of 1

Story summary

Imperial College London researchers led by Dr. Rita Kounoudis report that thinned tectonic plates in the Turkana Depression, located in northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia, can strengthen Earth's plates.
The researchers used a network of seismic monitoring stations to study the region's lithosphere.
They find the lithosphere behaves like a cold, rigid lid above a hot mantle.
The findings may influence global understanding of continental rifting and geological history.