Chapter 1 Introduction

Abstract

There are only a few areas on Earth where continental plate break-up and the attendant magmatism are taking place at the present day. In this context, the East African Rift system takes pride of place as it is the most extensive, presently active, continental extension zone, the extension being accompanied by seismicity, crustal thinning and, in some sectors, magmatism. The reason for this spectacular fracturing of the African Plate has been the subject of much debate but there is general consensus that it is due, at least in part, to the presence of rising thermal plumes in the mantle beneath Africa. The extension is now held