Ethiopia’s earthquakes and volcanoes are driven by ongoing continental splitting along the East African Rift Valley. Recent seismic activity in Fentale has led to numerous earthquakes without volcanic eruptions, causing infrastructure damage in the region. Scientists indicate a need for improved monitoring to predict related hazards as geological processes evolve.
Ethiopia’s geological activity results from a continental split underway for millions of years, particularly along the East African Rift Valley. Researcher Gemechu Bedassa Teferi explains that this region is a significant natural laboratory anticipating the formation of a new ocean. Recent seismic activity in Fentale has drawn attention to the underlying forces shaping this area’s landscape.
The separation of continents began 18 million years ago, leading to the formation of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Approximately 11 million years ago, a rift formed beneath Ethiopia’s Afar Depression. This region rests on a hot, semi-solid layer known as the mantle, which causes volcanic eruptions by pushing molten rock to the surface through weaker crustal zones.
As rocks move apart, friction generates seismic events, producing earthquakes. The Afar region is notably one of the world’s most volcanically and tectonically active zones. Recent months have seen over 200 earthquakes of magnitudes above 4, with the strongest measuring 6 on the Richter scale, although no eruptions have occurred.
The earthquake swarm has caused significant damage to infrastructure in the region, affecting buildings and roads. Notably, even residents of Addis Ababa, located 190 kilometers from the epicenter, have experienced the tremors. Historically, the strongest earthquake recorded in Ethiopia since 1900 reached 6.5 in magnitude, causing damage to inadequately constructed structures.
Scientists monitoring Fentale have detected molten rock rising approximately 10 kilometers beneath the surface due to seismic activity, revealing three possible scenarios for future developments. These include the cooling of the molten rock, potential volcanic eruptions, or lateral movement interacting with existing materials.
Given the dynamic geological environment, scientists emphasize the importance of improved monitoring techniques for predicting hazards. They recommend collaboration between scientists and government officials to communicate risks effectively to the at-risk populations and utilize methods such as volcanic gas analysis and geophysical studies.
In summary, Ethiopia’s earthquakes and volcanic activity stem from tectonic movements linked to the ongoing continental split. Recent research highlights the dynamic processes at play beneath the surface and underscores the necessity for improved monitoring and collaboration to mitigate potential hazards. The unique geological aspects of the Afar region continue to attract scientific inquiry and pose challenges to local communities.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
