Earth Fissures Mysteriously Appearing, Capable of Ingesting Entire Buildings

In a concerning development, large gullies, big enough to swallow entire houses, are rapidly appearing across Africa. This alarming trend has displaced over 118,000 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between 2004 and 2023, according to recent reports.

Emma Frederickson, a graduate of Pace University with a focus on communication and media, is shedding light on this issue as an editor. Her areas of interest include climate change, conspiracy theories, and unusual biology, which she frequently explores in her writing.

Researchers analysing satellite images from 2021 to 2023 found nearly 3,000 gullies across 26 cities in the DRC. The study, published in Nature, suggests these gullies are linked to urbanization and are expected to worsen over time.

Matthias Vanmaercke, who is not identified with any university in the provided search results, highlights the challenge of preventing gullies. He attributes this problem to a lack of money and resources.

Gina Ziervogel, a geographer at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, stresses the importance of investing in solutions as soon as possible to address the issue effectively. She points out that preventing new gullies may be a more effective approach than just focusing on stabilizing existing ones.

The study shows that gully sidewall widening, or when the walls of the gully degrade, is the most concerning form of gully expansion. This accounts for over 65 percent of the people displaced by gullies. On the other hand, the formation of new gullies is less concerning, as they only account for 2.8 percent of local population displacement.

Before her current role, Frederickson was a freelance science reporter. Outside of writing, she frequents coffee shops in search of the perfect oat milk cappuccino. Her writing style encompasses a range of topics, from shipwrecks to pimple popping, reflecting her diverse interests.

Frederickson's full biography is available for reading, providing insights into her career and personal life. For those interested in learning more about the gully crisis in Africa, Frederickson's articles offer valuable insights and perspectives.