The Somali Plate is a tectonic plate located in the eastern part of Africa, primarily covering the region of Somalia and parts of the Indian Ocean. It is bordered by the Nubian Plate to the west and the Arabian Plate to the north. The plate is significant for its role in the geological activity of the region, including the formation of rift valleys. This plate is moving away from the Nubian Plate at a rate of about 5 millimeters per year, contributing to the ongoing development of the East African Rift System. This rifting process can lead to volcanic activity and earthquakes, shaping the landscape and affecting local ecosystems.