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Somalia Plate

The Somalia Plate is gradually separating from the African Plate along the East African Rift System, a dramatic example of continental rifting in action. This divergence is splitting eastern Africa and will eventually create a new ocean basin millions of years from now. The rift valley showcases active volcanism, including Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, and frequent seismic activity as the continent slowly breaks apart.

Somalia Plate map

Plate Information

Size: 16 million km²
Movement: Northeast
Speed: 2 cm/year
Countries: 5

Countries & Territories

Somalia
Kenya (partial)
Tanzania (partial)
Mozambique (partial)
Madagascar (partial)

Key Facts

  • Separating from the African Plate
  • Creating the East African Rift
  • Will eventually form a new ocean
  • Approximately 16 million km² in area