New Research Reveals Pulses from Earth's Mantle Beneath Africa

In a groundbreaking study published in *Nature Geoscience*, scientists from the University of Southampton have identified rhythmic surges of molten mantle rock beneath Africa, particularly in the Afar region of Ethiopia. These surges are contributing to the gradual splitting of the continent and the formation of a new ocean basin. The research team, led by Dr. Emma Watts, has shown that the underlying mantle is characterized by a dynamic plume that behaves like a heartbeat, pulsing upwards and influencing the tectonic plates above it.

The Afar region is unique as it sits at the convergence of three tectonic rifts: the Main Ethiopian Rift, the Red Sea Rift, and the Gulf of Aden Rift. This geological setting has long prompted speculation about the presence of a mantle plume that facilitates the extension of the crust. However, the specific behavior and structure of this plume had remained largely elusive until now. The research involved the collection of over 130 volcanic rock samples from the Afar region and the Main Ethiopian Rift, combined with advanced statistical modeling to analyze the structure of the crust and mantle.

Dr. Watts, who is now based at Swansea University, stated, "We found that the mantle beneath Afar is not uniform or stationary – it pulses, and these pulses carry distinct chemical signatures." This discovery emphasizes the complex interplay between the Earth's interior and its surface, shedding light on the mechanisms driving continental break-up.

Tom Gernon, Professor of Earth Science at the University of Southampton and co-author of the study, noted that the chemical striping observed in the mantle plume suggests a pulsing effect that varies depending on the thickness of the tectonic plate and the rate at which it is pulled apart. In faster-spreading rifts, such as the Red Sea, the pulses travel more efficiently, akin to blood flowing through a narrow artery.

This research has far-reaching implications for understanding volcanic activity and earthquakes in the region. Dr. Derek Keir, Associate Professor in Earth Science at both the University of Southampton and the University of Florence, emphasized the importance of this work, stating, "The evolution of deep mantle upwellings is intimately tied to the motion of the plates above. This has profound implications for how we interpret surface volcanism and the process of continental breakup."

The collaborative nature of this research, involving experts from ten different institutions, highlights the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches in geoscience. Future research is expected to explore the rates and mechanisms of mantle flow beneath tectonic plates, further unraveling the complexities of Earth's geological processes. As these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of our planet's dynamics, they may also offer insights into predicting geological hazards associated with volcanic activity and tectonic movements in the Afar region and beyond.