Early signs of a newborn continental rift forming in Africa
Scientists say Sub-Saharan Africa may be starting to split into a new tectonic boundary along the Kafue Rift. A Frontiers in Earth Science study reports mantle-derived helium-3 signals in hot springs and geothermal wells in Zambia, alongside other geophysical clues, suggesting active rifting in the area—though the evidence is preliminary (only six sites studied, with two others lacking the signal). If confirmed, this would provide a rare glimpse into how a plate boundary begins, a process that could take millions of years; in the near term Zambia could also gain from geothermal energy development and helium extraction.
