Scientists standing on the crater rim of Erta Ale in the Danakil (or Afar) depression.
Splitting Earth, space weather and robotic dolphins
21 June 2010
In this week's Planet Earth podcast, Sue Nelson hears about the birth of an ocean in the Afar depression in the Horn of Africa.
The continental crust is being ripped apart at a phenomenal rate – one metre every year over the last five years. In the not too distant future – well, not too distant in geological terms – we may see a new ocean in that region of Africa. That's if we're still around in ten million years' time.
Plus Richard Hollingham goes to Edinburgh to find out about the damage our nearest star wreaks on our planet during its unruly phases.
Listen
Click the play button above to listen now.
Later Sue hears about 'mechanical dolphins' in Antarctica, while Richard gives us a preview of the gruelling training he had to endure recently in preparation for a scientific expedition to the Arctic.
As always, download the podcast and then tell us what you think. You can email us at editors@nerc.ac.uk or if you're on Facebook or Twitter, comment there – see the links below.
Keywords:
Africa,
Antarctic,
Atmosphere,
Environmental change,
Geology,
Polar,
Interesting? Spread the word using the 'share' menu on the top right.
