Ethiopia’s earthquakes and volcanoes result from tectonic activity along the East African Rift Valley, historically forming the Red Sea. Current seismic activity includes over 200 quakes, with potential volcanic implications. Future outcomes depend on molten rock dynamics, necessitating improved monitoring and community engagement to mitigate risks.
Ethiopia experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity due to its unique geological position within the East African Rift Valley. This region functions as a natural laboratory where tectonic processes are occurring that may lead to a continental split and the formation of a new ocean over millions of years. Gemechu Bedassa Teferi, a researcher focused on the volcanoes of the Main Ethiopian Rift, explains the underlying causes of these geological phenomena.
The foundation of Ethiopia’s geological activity began 18 million years ago when the continents separated, creating the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Subsequently, around 11 million years ago, a fissure developed beneath the Afar Depression, indicating continued tectonic movements. The region’s mantle, a heated semi-solid layer, is perpetually in motion due to heat from Earth’s core, which allows molten rock to rise, leading to volcanic eruptions.
The ongoing tectonic separation causes the ground to expand, facilitating the rise of molten materials from below, creating rifts filled with molten rock. Consequently, friction between moving rocks results in earthquakes, generating energy in the form of seismic waves. The Afar region remains one of the world’s most volcanically and tectonically active areas, with recent seismic activity recorded in Fentale.
In the past five months, over 200 earthquakes have been documented in Ethiopia, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 6.0. Although there have been no volcanic eruptions recently, the seismic events have damaged infrastructure, affecting schools, roads, and factories. The tremors were felt as far as 190 kilometers away in Addis Ababa, and the historical context suggests a correlation between earthquakes and potential volcanic activity.
Research utilizing satellite radar has shown that the earthquakes in Fentale are a result of hot molten rock pushing upwards from about 10 kilometers below ground. The future of this geological activity could involve several scenarios depending on factors such as temperature and viscosity of the molten rock.
Scientists propose three outcomes: the molten rock could cool and solidify; it might erupt if it reaches the surface; or the molten rock may interact laterally with surrounding materials, potentially resulting in an eruption or cooling. Given the uncertainties, there is a significant need for improved monitoring through gas measurement, GPS tracking, and geophysical studies alongside collaborative efforts to communicate risks to local communities effectively.
Ethiopia’s seismic and volcanic activities are rooted in its geographic location within the dynamic East African Rift Valley. The ongoing geological processes may eventually lead to significant geological transformations, including a new ocean formation. Monitoring these events is essential for implementing predictive measures and ensuring community safety against potential hazards.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
