As the oceanic tectonic plates continue to move farther apart, scientists have confirmed that the volcanic activity in the rift is identical to that on our ocean floors.  Apparently, Ethiopia will soon be split in two to form a new sea. Check out this clip from the BBC special called Rare Earth.

Also, check out these pictures from this University of Rochester article:

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1. Amazing periodic table. Each element has a video explaining it’s history, uses, characteristics, etc. – http://bit.ly/3fY40S
2. The humorous result of years of Intense Study and Engineering Experience http://bit.ly/1BJ8Yv
3. Twitter Lists for Nerds – engineering, science, technology, and even NASA! http://bit.ly/4jFNhI
4. Follow all the nasa twitter feeds in one list – http://bit.ly/4mIJ0z
5. My favorite engineering blog discussing innovations in rural Africa. – http://www.afrigadget.com/

Editors Pick

1. The Greatest Scientific Special of All Time: Absolute Zero, The Science of Cold. Watch it here – http://retwt.me/frCo

It’s amazing to see how people can make incredible improvements to everything around them often with very limited resources.  One blog that consistently appeals to people (especially other engineers) because of this is Afrigadget.  This blog highlights innovations in rural African communities, both by local people and outside inventors.  These innovations are often surprisingly simple but always technical, and never fail to impress.  Engineers of all types and from all locations can learn from the simplicity and creativity highlighted in this blog.

Some of my Favorites

A shopkeeper has recycled old sandals to hang the door to his shop.  This creates a sturdy mount that is hinged and spring-loaded by the flexible footwear to ensure the front door closes behind his customers.

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