The Geological Causes of Earthquakes and Volcanoes in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is home to earthquakes and volcanoes due to geological activity within the mantle, particularly in the Afar region’s rift. Recent seismic activity, including over 200 earthquakes, indicates ongoing volcanic processes. Experts suggest that enhanced monitoring and community communication are essential for mitigating future geological hazards.

Ethiopia experiences earthquakes and volcanoes due to geological processes occurring beneath its surface. Over millions of years, the Great East African Rift Valley has formed, which scientists view as a unique natural laboratory that may eventually lead to a continental split and the creation of a new ocean. Geologist Gemechu Bedassa Teferi explains that these natural phenomena are the result of decades of geological activity in the country, especially in the Afar region.

The continents began breaking apart approximately 18 million years ago, leading to the formation of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Eighteen million years later, a significant crack emerged beneath present-day Afar Depression in northeastern Ethiopia. The region is situated on the Earth’s mantle, a contentiously moving, semi-solid layer. This motion allows molten rock to ascend and erupt through the Earth’s crust, resulting in volcanic activity.

Alongside volcanic eruptions, the movement of the mantle has initiated a rift beneath the surface, leading to ground separation. This process generates friction that causes sudden rock breaks, which release large amounts of energy, felt as earthquakes. The Afar region is recognized as one of the most active areas globally in terms of volcanic and tectonic activity.

Recent occurrences in Fentale and the northern Dofan area highlight the activity of molten rock rising beneath the Earth’s crust. Recently, over 200 earthquakes, exceeding magnitude 4, have been recorded within five months. Although the strongest earthquake recorded in this period was of magnitude 6, causing damage in various infrastructures as far as Addis Ababa, no volcanic eruptions have been reported thus far, with the last such event at Fentale being in 1820.

Satellite radar imaging has revealed that these earthquakes are due to hot molten rock originating from a depth of approximately 10 km. The outcome of this geological activity is contingent upon several factors including the molten rock’s temperature, viscosity, and the strength of surrounding materials. Potential scenarios indicate that the molten rock could cool, prompt an eruption, or interact with other molten materials leading to further geological changes.

Such ongoing activities underline the necessity for enhanced predictive measures to prevent future hazards. Experts advocate for the implementation of scientific monitoring methods, including measuring volcanic gases, GPS tracking, and geophysical studies. These efforts should be complemented by collaboration between scientists and government bodies to establish effective communication channels with communities at risk from these geological events.

Ethiopia’s earthquakes and volcanoes arise from geological processes deep within the Earth’s mantle, particularly in the Afar region, which has a significant rift. Recent seismic activity has led to numerous earthquakes, highlighting the complexities of volcanic and tectonic movements. Understanding these events requires a multi-faceted approach, integrating scientific monitoring methods and community engagement to enhance preparedness for potential hazards.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in