How Madagascar Became an Island

Madagascar's isolation resulted from the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana:

1. Gondwana Assembly (~200 Ma): Africa, South America, Antarctica, Madagascar, India, and Australia were joined.
2. Initial Rifting (~180 Ma): Tectonic forces began separating Africa and Madagascar.
3. Continued Rifting: Magma upwelling created new oceanic crust, widening the gap.
4. Complete Separation (~88–100 Ma): The Mozambique Channel fully opened, isolating Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.
5. Volcanic Activity: Associated volcanism built the island's central highlands and plateaus.

This long isolation fostered Madagascar's unique biodiversity.