Elevated Seismic Activity Raises Eruption Concerns at Fentale Volcano, Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s Fentale volcano is experiencing heightened seismic activity, prompting eruption concerns. Earthquakes of 4.3 to 5.1 magnitudes were recorded, indicating possible shallow magma intrusion. Experts warn residents to prepare for potential eruptions, as the last known activity of this volcano was in 1820. The absence of a seismic network complicates monitoring, but global data indicates increased risk for nearby communities.
Recent seismic activity in Ethiopia’s Main Ethiopian Rift has raised alarm regarding potential volcanic eruptions near Fentale volcano. This region experienced a series of earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging from 4.3 to 5.1, indicating increased geological activity. The most significant tremor, measuring 5.1, occurred on December 29. According to volcanologist Tom Pfeiffer, the seismic events suggest a shallow magma intrusion, heightening the risk of eruption and prompting a warning for local residents to remain vigilant.
The earthquakes have been felt as far as the capital, Addis Ababa, and indications from nearby towns suggest that there may be numerous smaller quakes not recorded by global networks. This elevated seismicity aligns with the volcano’s historical behavior, which has seen eruptions in the past centuries, the last of which occurred in 1820. The Fentale volcano is situated in an active tectonic area where seismicity and volcanic activity are common due to the divergent movement of the Nubia and Somalia tectonic plates.
A local geological team reported feeling tremors during their recent expedition in Awash town, close to the epicenter of the seismic events. The presence of a large caldera at Fentale, formed by prior volcanic activity, underlines the potential for forthcoming eruptions if the current magma intrusion penetrates the surface. The local population, including residents of Metahara and Awash, have been alerted to possible evacuation measures should the volcanic threat escalate.
Despite the lack of a local seismic monitoring network, global data indicates a worrying trend in seismic activity. Authorities are tasked with assessing the situation and advising the 3.4 million residents within a 100 km vicinity of the volcano. The historical volcanic activity in this region has been characterized by both lava flows and significant airfall deposits, reinforcing the necessity for heightened safety measures as conditions develop further.
Fentale volcano, located in Ethiopia’s Main Ethiopian Rift, presents an ongoing risk of volcanic activity due to its seismic history. The region is characterized by numerous earthquakes, often linked to the dynamics of the East African Rift System. Geological activity in this area can be attributed to the interactions between the Nubian and Somali tectonic plates, leading to shallow earthquakes which are frequently associated with magma movements beneath the surface. The last documented eruption of Fentale occurred in 1820, producing basaltic lava flows from an extensive fissure.
In summary, the recent seismic activity around the Fentale volcano in Ethiopia has elicited concerns about a possible volcanic eruption caused by shallow magma intrusion. Experts have advised the local population to remain alert as the risks of eruptions increase. Continued monitoring, despite the challenges posed by a lack of local seismic networks, will be essential to ensure the safety of the approximately 3.4 million residents living in proximity to this tectonically active region.
Original Source: watchers.news
