New research confirms a massive superplume of hot rock is rising beneath Africa, driving the continent's splitting along the East African Rift System (EARS). Scientists found geochemical evidence, specifically neon isotopes in Kenyan gases, matching signatures from deep within the Earth's mantle and volcanic rocks across the rift. This superplume, originating near the core-mantle boundary, is fracturing the lithosphere, causing intense volcanic activity. The findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters, resolve long-standing debates about the EARS's driving force.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.