3) Source: University of Rochester
Nov. 2, 2009
5)Miller Chapter: 14
6)Regional: Ethiopia
7) In 2005, a gigantic rift opened up in the desert of Ethiopia that was 35 miles long. There is a volcanic process going on underneath the rift, similar to the volcanic processes going on under earth's oceans. This leads scientists to believe that the rift is the start of a new ocean. They predict that the edges will suddenly break off in large chunks rather than gradually due to the highly active volcanic boundaries. One scientist figured out that the eruption of a nearby volcano triggered the "unzipping" of the rift by forced lava up through the earth. His research showed that the 35 mile opening happened in days which is incredible. This phenomenon will let scientists into the incredible magma system and the rifts it causes not only on land but also in the ocean.
8) I think that this event that has taken place in Ethiopia is amazing. It really is crazy how a 35 mile long hole can open up in just days. Scientists have always known about rifts and their size under the ocean but this occurrance let them know how it happens and how fast it can develop. I think it will be interesting to see how the events unfold and if this rift will become a new ocean.
1 comment:
Very cool.
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