Scientists have pinpointed a giant rift under Earth that is developing between the Arabian-African and Eurasian plates. Led by geologist Renas Koshnaw of MIT and the University of Miami, the researchers confirm that this rift is linked to the disappearance of an ancient ocean – the Neotethys Ocean – that once separated the supercontinents Gondwana and Laurasia.
For millions of years, the remnants of this oceanic plate have been submerged in the Earth's mantle. But new seismic data and advanced geodynamic models show that the plate is breaking in two. The fault zone begins in southeastern Turkey and extends toward northern Iraq and the Zagros mountain range.
“This is like an old wound reopening,” says Koshnaw. The oceanic part of the plate is collapsing into the Earth’s mantle, creating lateral stresses that could change the tectonic balance in the region.
According to experts, this phenomenon can significantly affect the frequency and intensity of earthquakes, writes A2 CNN. The surrounding regions – Turkey, Iraq and Iran – are located in an active seismic zone. If the crack continues to expand, it can activate new cracks and redistribute the accumulated energy in the Earth's interior.
Professor Jean-Philippe Avouac from Caltech warns that “in the coming centuries, we may experience stronger earthquakes in this area.”
With the further spread of this rift, a new microplate could form between Arabia and Asia Minor, changing the tectonic map of the Earth in the distant future. (A2 Televizion)
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