AFRICA’S AFAR TRIANGLE

Why in News?                                                                                                        

Geologists predict that the African continent’s rift in the Afar Triangle could lead to the formation of a new ocean in 5 to 10 million years.

What is Afar Triangle?

• The Afar Triangle, located in the Horn of Africa, is a geological depression where three tectonic plates– the Nubian, Somali, and Arabian plates- meet.
• In addition to its geological importance, the Afar Triangle has a rich palaeontological history, revealing fossils of some of the earliest hominins.
• It is part of the Great Rift Valley in East Africa.
• It spans across Eritrea, Djibouti, and the Afar Region of Ethiopia.
• It contains Lake Assal, which is Africa’s lowest point.
• It is bordered by the Ethiopian Plateau, the Danakil block, the Somali Plateau, and the Ali-Sabieh block.