The Geological Dynamics Behind Ethiopia’s Earthquakes and Volcanoes

Ethiopia’s earthquakes and volcanoes are attributed to geological processes in the East African Rift Valley, with a history of continental drift. Recent seismic activity in Fentale has generated numerous earthquakes, with potential for future eruptions. Enhanced monitoring and community engagement are crucial for mitigating risks.

Ethiopia’s seismic and volcanic activity is tied to its unique geological features, particularly the East African Rift Valley. According to geologist Gemechu Bedassa Teferi, the region is a natural laboratory for a continental split that will eventually form a new ocean. Recent events in Fentale are part of a larger geological process that has evolved over millions of years.

Eighteen million years ago, continental drift resulted in the formation of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Approximately 11 million years ago, a crack emerged in the Afar Depression, a hot spot in northeast Ethiopia. This region resides atop the earth’s mantle, which is in constant motion. The mantle’s heat causes molten rock to rise, resulting in volcanoes when it breaches the surface.

The movement of the molten rock also contributes to ground rifting, generating fractures that release significant energy. This energy manifests as seismic waves, producing earthquakes. The Afar region is notably active seismically and volcanically, with recent quakes occurring in Fentale and the nearby Dofan area.

In the last five months, over 200 earthquakes with magnitudes above 4 have struck the region, with the strongest registering at 6 on the Richter scale. This seismic activity has resulted in structural damage, impacting buildings, schools, and infrastructure, even reaching the capital, Addis Ababa, located 190 km away. The historical context emphasizes the dangers, as the most substantial earthquake since 1900 occurred in 1989 with a magnitude of 6.5.

The last volcanic eruption in Fentale dates back to 1820, and historical patterns suggest that earthquakes can precede eruptions. Current geological surveys indicate that hot magma is rising from approximately 10 km below Awash Fentale, prompting scientists to consider three potential outcomes based on various factors affecting molten rock behavior.

The first scenario involves the cooling of the molten rock, leading to solidification. The second scenario might see volcanic eruptions if the rock reaches the surface effectively. The third possibility includes the molten rock interacting laterally with other magma, potentially causing further eruptions or solidification.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the geological processes in this area, enhanced scientific monitoring is essential. Methods such as volcanic gas measurement, GPS monitoring, and geophysical studies can provide crucial data. Furthermore, collaboration between scientists and government bodies is vital to establish effective communication channels to keep at-risk communities informed and prepared.

Ethiopia’s earthquakes and volcanoes are a result of unique geological dynamics, particularly the movements within the East African Rift Valley. As molten rock rises and interacts with the earth’s crust, seismic activity and potential volcanic eruptions may occur. Understanding these processes is critical for predicting future geological events, thus necessitating improved scientific monitoring and community preparedness.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in