Seismic Crisis and Eruption Concerns: Dofan Volcano in Ethiopia

A powerful vent at Dofan volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region opened on January 3, 2025, amidst a significant seismic crisis that began on December 22, 2024. With concerns over a potential eruption, volcanologists monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for caution among local residents. The Dofan volcano’s activity may indicate a historic first eruption as seismic events intensify in the area.

On January 3, 2025, a significant geological event occurred at the Dofan volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region, marked by the emergence of a powerful vent emitting jets of steam, rocks, and mud. This development coincides with a series of seismic activities that have been ongoing since December 22, raising alarms about the possibility of a historic volcanic eruption, as this volcano has not previously recorded such an event. The vent’s activity indicates a potential increase in geological unrest, predominantly believed to be driven by magma intrusions beneath the volcano’s surface, which has produced a series of earthquakes in the vicinity.

The Dofan volcano, also referred to as Dofen, is situated in the Dulecha district of the Afar region and is characterized by its cinder cones and fumarolic activity. The current eruption, noted for its phreatic activity—where groundwater heated by magma transitions rapidly into steam—has prompted volcanologists to closely monitor the situation. Tom Pfeiffer, a prominent volcanologist, noted, “It has erupted frequently from fissures parallel to the rift axis and produced young lava flows and rows of cinder cones.”

Since the beginning of the seismic activity, numerous shallow earthquakes, with the most severe registering a magnitude of 5.1 on December 29, 2024, have been reported near the Dofan volcano, signaling intensified geological stress in the area. Currently, there are approximately 1,900 individuals residing within a mere 5 kilometers of the volcano, and over 54,000 people live within a 30-kilometer radius, all of whom may be potentially at risk if an eruption occurs.

In light of this seismic crisis, authorities have advised vigilance and readiness for possible evacuations, particularly affecting communities close to the volcano. The larger geological trend is attributable to the East African Rift System, which stretches over 3,000 kilometers and is a known hotspot for both volcanic and seismic activities, due to the ongoing divergence of the Nubian and Somali tectonic plates. The urgency surrounding the Dofan volcano’s activity is underscored by its historical inactivity, making this potential eruption a matter of significant geological interest and local concern.

The Dofan volcano, located in Ethiopia’s Afar region, has faced notable geological changes leading to increased seismic activity since late December 2024. This region is part of the larger East African Rift System, which is characterized by tectonic movements that frequently cause volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The Dofan volcano has historically displayed fumarolic activity and young lava flows, yet it has not previously erupted in recorded history. The current seismic crisis and emergence of a vent signal a potentially unprecedented geological event, necessitating close observation and preparedness from local authorities.

The emergence of a vent at the Dofan volcano on January 3, 2025, amidst a series of seismic activities raises significant concerns about an imminent eruption, potentially the first in recorded history. As authorities monitor the escalating conditions, over 54,000 residents living in proximity to the volcano must remain alert to the possibility of volcanic hazards. Continued vigilance and preparedness are crucial as this geological unrest unfolds in a historically active rift zone.

Original Source: watchers.news