Researchers Uncover Source of Strange Deformation in Earth’s Largest Continental Rift

New research shows that the African Superplume is driving unexpected northward, rift-parallel deformation in the East African Rift System.

Researchers combined 3D thermomechanical simulations with GPS data to trace how deep mantle flow is reshaping surface deformation.

Lithospheric buoyancy still explains the usual rift-perpendicular stretching, but it does not account for the unusual motion.

The findings improve understanding of how continents split and how deep mantle processes influence geology and earthquake patterns.