Understanding Earthquakes and Volcanoes in Ethiopia: A Geological Perspective
Ethiopia’s Afar region is experiencing a swarm of earthquakes linked to ongoing geological processes in the Great Rift Valley. The area has a history of seismic and volcanic activity, with significant tremors prompting evacuation. Researchers study these events to understand potential volcanic eruptions and advocate for improved monitoring and community engagement strategies to mitigate risks.
In January 2025, a series of earth tremors around Awash Fentale in Ethiopia’s Afar region prompted thousands of residents to evacuate. This area lies within the geologically active Great Rift Valley, which has witnessed numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions over the past 800 years, including significant eruptions in 1250 and 1820 AD.
The geological processes at play in the Afar region have been evolving for millions of years. Researchers, such as Gemechu Bedassa Teferi, view this area as a vital natural laboratory that may eventually lead to the splitting of the continent and the formation of a new ocean along the East African Rift Valley.
The tectonic activity traces back to 18 million years ago when the continents began to separate, leading to the formation of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. A fracture beneath the Afar Depression emerged around 11 million years ago, contributing to ongoing volcanic and seismic activity.
The Afar region is situated above the mantle, where hot, semi-solid rock is constantly in motion, allowing molten material to rise and erupt through the earth’s crust. This same process causes the ground to fracture and creates rifts, resulting in seismic waves that produce earthquakes.
Currently, the region is experiencing significant earthquake activity, with over 200 quakes of magnitude 4 or greater documented in the past five months, the strongest being 6 on the Richter scale. While no volcanic eruptions have occurred lately, the seismic activity has damaged infrastructure and raised concerns about potential eruptions at nearby active volcanoes.
Historically, earthquakes often precede volcanic activity, raising alarm about the recent quakes as potential indicators of an impending eruption. Satellite radar images indicate that the earthquakes are due to molten rock pushing up from around 10 kilometers below the surface, emphasizing the dynamic geological nature of the area.
Three possible outcomes could arise from the current tectonic movements under Fentale. The first scenario involves the cooling of the molten rock, forming solidified material. The second scenario suggests that this molten material may force an eruption. The third possibility is that the molten rock interacts laterally with other materials, potentially leading to volcanic activity or further solidification.
Due to the complexities inherent in such geological dynamics, scientists advocate for improved prediction methods to mitigate risks. Suggested approaches include monitoring volcanic gas, utilizing GPS for onsite tracking, and conducting comprehensive geophysical studies, supplemented with collaboration between scientists and government officials to communicate effectively with at-risk communities.
Ethiopia’s Afar region is undergoing significant geological processes marked by frequent seismic activity and potential volcanic eruptions. With historical records indicating associations between earthquakes and eruptions, scientists emphasize the need for proactive monitoring and community engagement to mitigate future hazards. Ongoing research aims to better understand the interactions between tectonic movements and volcanic phenomena, highlighting the urgency for enhanced predictive measures in this geologically active area.
Original Source: theconversation.com
