Beneath the African continent lies one of the strangest regions on Earth — a place where gravity is unusually weak. Known as the African Gravity Anomaly or the African Low-Shear-Velocity Province (LLSVP), this massive underground feature stretches thousands of kilometers beneath the surface and has puzzled scientists for decades.
But what exactly causes this gravitational oddity — and could it be shaping the future of our planet?
What Is the African Gravity Anomaly?
The African Gravity Anomaly refers to a large region beneath southern and western Africa where Earth’s gravity field is slightly weaker than expected.
Satellites mapping the planet’s gravitational pull — like ESA’s GOCE mission — revealed a noticeable dip in gravity strength here, unlike anywhere else on Earth.
This anomaly doesn’t mean things “float” or weigh less dramatically, but it points to something unusual deep inside Earth’s mantle.
The Superplume Beneath Africa
Deep within Earth’s mantle, about 2,900 kilometers down, scientists have found a giant mass of hot, dense material rising upward — called the African Superplume or LLSVP (Large Low-Shear-Velocity Province).
This massive blob is so large it could distort Earth’s gravity and even affect plate tectonics above it.
Some researchers believe it may be a remnant from Theia, the ancient planet that collided with Earth and formed the Moon.
Why It Matters
The African Gravity Anomaly might be linked to:
- Volcanic activity in East Africa (the Rift Valley)
- Continental uplift across southern Africa
- Future supercontinent formation
- Changes in Earth’s magnetic and gravity fields
In other words, this deep anomaly could be shaping the surface and future of our planet.
Recent Discoveries
In 2023, new simulations suggested the African Superplume could be rising toward the surface — potentially triggering long-term geological changes, including volcanic “hotspots” and shifts in tectonic plates.
Seismic data also indicates this anomaly is denser and hotter than its Pacific counterpart, meaning Africa may be sitting above one of the most energetic regions in Earth’s interior.
Fascinating Facts
- The African Gravity Anomaly stretches nearly 5,000 km wide.
- It sits 2,900 km below the surface — at the boundary of Earth’s core and mantle.
- Some scientists think it’s a leftover from an ancient planetary collision.
- It may influence Africa’s elevated landscape and volcanic hotspots.
- A similar, smaller anomaly exists beneath the Pacific Ocean.
Conclusion
The African Gravity Anomaly is more than just a scientific curiosity — it’s a clue to Earth’s violent past and dynamic future.
By studying it, scientists hope to better understand how our planet formed, evolved, and continues to change deep beneath our feet.
