Normally new rivers, seas and mountains are born in slow motion. The Afar Triangle near the Horn of Africa is another story. A new ocean is forming there with staggering speed -- at least by geological standards. Africa will eventually lose its horn.It seems the African and Arabian tectonic plates are moving apart at a rate of about a centimeter a year. As they do so, the ground between them is sinking, opening up vast crevices - and I do mean vast (it's worth clicking the link just for the photos).
Geology in action.
