Dabbahu Volcano

Dabbahu Volcano (also Boina, Boyna or Moina) is an active volcano located in the remote Afar Region of Ethiopia. This stratovolcano[2] is part of the Afar Triangle (Afar Depression), a highly active volcanic region which includes Erta Ale.[1] An eruption on September 26, 2005 created a large fissure in the ground, known as the Dabbahu fissure.[3]

Dabbahu Volcano
Dabbahu volcano (background) and Manda-Hararo rift (foreground) in 2008
Highest point
Elevation1,442 m (4,731 ft) [1]
ListingList of volcanoes in Ethiopia
Coordinates12.6°N 40.48°E / 12.6; 40.48[1] 
Geography
Geology
Mountain typeStratovolcano
Last eruptionSeptember 2005

2005 eruption

The only eruption of the volcano in recorded history occurred on September 26, 2005. Preceding the eruption, the ground swelled and an earthquake swarm consisting of over 130 events occurred.[2] Earthquakes measured 4.2 on the Richter scale.[4] The eruption began 5 kilometers northeast of the summit. Ash from the eruption darkened the area surrounding the volcano for nearly 3 days.

The eruption formed a 500 m long fissure and a 30 m (98 ft) wide pumice cone at the fissure's southern end. Ash reached as far as the administrative center of Teru, located 40 km (25 mi) southwest of the volcano.

Plate tectonics

The volcano is located along the Somali Plate. Researchers predict that the land along this region, known as the East African Rift, will eventually break away, creating a new island consisting of eastern Ethiopia and Djibouti with a new sea in between.[5][6] Using seismic data from 2005, a research study predicted that this new ocean would likely be formed in about one million years.[7]

Life

Scientists are studying the fissure for extremophiles.[8]

See also

References
  1. "Dabbahu Volcano". Retrieved 30 August 2009.
  2. "Dabbahu". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 2009-11-04.
  3. "Inside the Hottest Place on Earth". BBC News. 2009-03-19. Retrieved August 30, 2009.
  4. "Quake triggers volcanic eruption in Ethiopia". Retrieved 30 August 2009.
  5. "Scientists: New Ocean Forming in Ethiopia". Fox News. 2005-12-10. Retrieved August 30, 2009.
  6. "Geologists have ringside seats for an ocean's birth". The Register. Retrieved 30 August 2009.
  7. "Giant crack in Africa may create a new ocean". NBC News. Retrieved 8 November 2009.
  8. "The Birth of an Ocean in the Hottest Desert on Earth". Retrieved 30 August 2009.
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