Kenya's geothermal gases reveal East Africa's superplume

Scientists have found the first evidence of a massive plume of deep Earth material beneath East Africa, based on analysis of volcanic gases. This discovery supports the theory of a "superplume." Researchers analyzed geothermal gases from Kenya, finding the gases' composition matches those from volcanic rocks across a wide area, indicating a common deep mantle source. This suggests a single, vast mass of hot rock is driving volcanic activity and plate separation. The findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters, could help explain the formation of the East African Rift System. The study provides new insight into the forces shaping Earth's surface over millions of years.