Africa’s Rift Heads Toward Split: First Live Necking Point Confirmed
Scientists report that the Turkana Rift in East Africa has thinned its crust to about 12.7 km along the rift axis, marking the necking phase—the last stage before continental breakup. The crust was thicker (about 35 km) at the flanks, and two prior rifting episodes weakened the region, leading to a faster extension of roughly 1.2 mm/year. If this trajectory continues, full separation and a new ocean basin could form in 5–10 million years. This study offers the first real-time observation of necking in an active rift and provides insight into both Africa’s geologic evolution and its fossil record.