Eruptive Activity at Dofan Volcano Raises Concerns Amid Seismic Crisis in Ethiopia
A new vent has opened at Dofan volcano in Ethiopia, releasing steam, rocks, and mud, amid ongoing earthquakes that began on December 22, 2024. This development raises concerns regarding a potential volcanic eruption, which would be unprecedented. The volcano is tied to ongoing magma intrusion and is closely monitored due to its proximity to populated areas, risking significant impact on local communities.
On January 3, 2025, a significant new vent opened at the Dofan volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region, leading to the expulsion of powerful jets comprising steam, rocks, and mud. This phenomenon coincides with a series of earthquakes that commenced on December 22, 2024, raising alarm regarding a potential volcanic eruption, which would mark a first in the region’s recorded history. The vent indicates heightened volcanic and seismic activity linked to magma intrusion beneath the surface, a situation that resembles recent occurrences at the nearby Fentale volcano.
The ongoing seismic activity includes numerous shallow earthquakes, the most substantial measuring M5.1, which occurred on December 29, 2024. The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 46 kilometers north of Metahara, indicating proximity to the Dofan volcano’s activity. Local reports from towns such as Metahara and Awash have noted tremors, prompting authorities to advise residents on potential evacuation measures if the situation escalates.
The Dofan volcano, standing at 1,151 meters above sea level, is part of the northern section of the Main Ethiopian Rift and has displayed fumarolic activity in the past. With approximately 1,900 residents living within a 5-kilometer radius, and over 2.9 million individuals residing within a 100-kilometer radius, the implications of a possible eruption could be substantial. Historically, Dofan has been known to produce young lava flows and cinder cones during the Holocene epoch, further emphasizing the volcano’s potential risk.
This episode of volcanic unrest fits into the broader context of the East African Rift System, a tectonically active area formed by the divergence of the Nubian and Somali tectonic plates, which fuels ongoing volcanic and seismic activity. As scientists and local authorities monitor the situation, the focus remains primarily on ensuring community safety and preparedness in the face of potential geological hazards.
The Dofan volcano, located in Ethiopia’s Afar region, has recently become a focal point of seismic unrest marked by a sequence of shallow earthquakes and the sudden emergence of a powerful vent. The volcano’s geological features suggest it has previously hosted volcanic activity during the Holocene epoch, producing recent lava flows and distinct cinder cones. Situated in a tectonically active zone known as the East African Rift System, the geological dynamics in this region make it susceptible to volcanic activity and earthquakes, necessitating constant monitoring and research to understand its implications on the local population.
In summary, the opening of a new vent at Dofan volcano amidst ongoing seismic activity signals the potential for an unprecedented volcanic eruption in the region. The local population’s safety remains a priority as authorities brace for possible evacuations. Continuous observation of both the Dofan volcano and surrounding seismic activity will be crucial in mitigating risks associated with this geological crisis. As this situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the natural dangers that can emerge from the dynamic landforms of the East African Rift System.
Original Source: watchers.news
