The Atlantic Ocean Might Begin to Close

Continents and oceans are in a constant state of transformation, shaping the Earth over millions of years, through a process known as the Wilson Cycle. This cycle describes how supercontinents form, break apart, and how oceans are born, expand, and eventually close. The Gibraltar subduction zone, a geological hotspot, plays a crucial role in this earthly ballet, suggesting that the Atlantic might begin to close.


The Earth is covered with a rigid shell, the lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates. These plates, constantly on the move, lead to the creation of vast continents and the formation of oceans. For instance, when Pangaea, a supercontinent, began to split, the Atlantic Ocean was born. Today, with its passive margins, the Atlantic is relatively inactive, with little seismic or volcanic activity. But this might soon change.

The Wilson Cycle suggests that oceans like the Atlantic may eventually close, similar to what is happening with the Pacific Ocean, which is bordered by active subduction zones where the earth shakes and volcanoes erupt. The transition of the Atlantic towards a future where its margins would become active depends on subduction, a phenomenon where one tectonic plate dives under another.



At Gibraltar, we have a unique window into the early stages of this process. While the Gibraltar subduction zone currently shows slow activity, new research indicates that this phase could soon come to an end, marking the beginning of an era where the Atlantic would start to close.

This discovery has major implications, not only for our understanding of the Earth's geological evolution but also for predicting seismic risks in the region. While the current activity of the Gibraltar subduction zone is slow, it remains a crucial subject of study to anticipate future geological changes and associated natural hazards.