East African Rift System Dynamics

Residents of Nairobi, Kenya, experienced an earthquake-like movement linked to the East African Rift System, which is slowly splitting Africa into two continents. This geological process will take millions of years, eventually forming a new ocean. The East African Rift System involves the separation of the Somalian and Nubian plates. A crack in Kenya in 2018 highlighted this ongoing rifting activity. Earth's surface is constantly changing, as seen in the historical separation of South America and Africa.

What event did residents of Nairobi experience that is linked to Africa's geological changes?

• A tsunami

• An earthquake-like movement

• A volcanic eruption

• A severe thunderstorm

What is the East African Rift System causing in terms of plate movements?

• The creation of a new island

• The merging of the Somalian and Nubian plates

• The splitting of the African plate into the Somalian and Nubian plates

• The formation of a new mountain range

What significant geographical change is expected to occur due to the East African Rift System?

• The creation of a new ocean

• The development of a new forest

• The formation of a new desert

• The emergence of a new river

How does the Earth's surface change over time?

• It only changes due to human activity

• It is in a constant state of flux over millions of years

• It changes rapidly within a few years

• It remains completely static

What historical event is similar to the potential future separation of East Africa?

• The joining of Europe and Asia

• The formation of the Himalayas

• The separation of South America and Africa

• The creation of the Great Barrier Reef