A new vent has opened at Dofan volcano in Ethiopia, releasing jets of steam, rocks, and mud amidst heightened seismic activity and concerns of a potential volcanic eruption. The events signify a significant geological crisis, with local authorities urging caution for nearby communities. This activity is part of the broader tectonic unrest within the East African Rift System.
On January 3, 2025, a significant geological event occurred at Dofan volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region, as a new vent began emitting powerful jets of steam, rocks, and mud. This activity follows a series of earthquakes that have been recorded since December 22, raising alarm over the potential for a volcanic eruption, marking what could be the first documented eruption of this volcano. The vent’s development may signal an increase in volcanic activity linked to magma movement beneath the surface, as volcanologists examine the implications.
The Dofan volcano, located in the Dulecha district, has experienced bursts of gas and mud, indicating a possible escalation in seismic and volcanic activity. This vent is thought to involve phreatic explosions, where heated groundwater vaporizes rapidly due to magma heat. Video footage reveals jets of steam erupting from ground fissures, yet it remains uncertain whether this vent is newly formed or pre-existing due to ongoing seismic trends.
Renowned volcanologist Tom Pfeiffer observed that Dofan has a history of eruptive fissures and young lava flows, making its potential activity unsurprising alongside neighboring Fentale volcano, previously linked to the seismic swarms in the region. Recent seismic activity has seen numerous earthquakes, with magnitudes peaking at 5.1, centered near the Dofan volcano. Pfeiffer noted the challenges in monitoring these tremors due to the lack of a comprehensive seismic network, leading to uncertainty surrounding the true extent of the seismic unrest.
The Dofan volcano, standing at 1,151 meters (3,776 feet) above sea level within the northern sector of the Main Ethiopian Rift, is notable for its numerous cinder cones and fumarolic activity, with historical sulfur deposits observed on its southern flank. The volcano’s geological history indicates a capacity for substantial eruptive events, with evidence of young lava flows and cinder cone formations from the Holocene epoch. Recent geological events in the region echo seismic activity patterns previously recorded at Fentale volcano, indicating a period of heightened volcanic and seismic unrest, as well as a higher risk of eruptions. Approximately 1,900 individuals live within a 5 km radius of Dofan, with significant populations in nearby towns being closely monitored. Furthermore, given the East African Rift System’s tectonic activity covering over 3,000 km, the Dofan volcano is situated in an area that is a hotspot for both volcanic and seismic occurrences.
The emergence of a new vent at Dofan volcano amidst ongoing seismic activity underscores a significant geological crisis within Ethiopia’s Afar region. With the potential for the first recorded eruption, local communities are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for possible evacuation scenarios. The geological dynamics of the area, combined with historical data, illustrate the necessity for continued monitoring and assessment by volcanologists and authorities as the situation develops.
Original Source: watchers.news
