Assessing Volcanic Hazards from Future Eruptions of Chabbi Volcano, Centeral Main Ethiopian Rift, Ethiopia.
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Date
2014-02-02
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Chabbi Quaternary volcano is located on the Wonji Fault Belt or magmatic segment of the Main
Ethiopian Rift (MER) where active extensional tectonics and volcanism is taking place.
Particularly, it is found in the southern part of the MER between Lake Shalla to the north and
Lake Hawassa within Corbetti caldera to the south. From field observation, previous work,
satellite image and GIS and Remote sensing incorporation, the volcanic evolution and current
activity of Chabbi has been interpreted. It has been established that Chabbi is a composite
rhyolite volcano built during the Holocene. The eruption sequence of this volcano consists of
rhyolitic lavas and domes, at the base followed by explosive eruptive products in the
intermediate and degassed obsidian flows in the final phase. The volcano has emitted very young
products in recent geological times and is currently at fumarolic stage.
The volcano has proximity to Hawassa city, Shashamane town and Tikur Wuha, Bura and Aje
villages as well as to densely populate rural farming communities. The surrounding region
further includes major infrastructures and growing agricultural and industrial activities. As
Chabbi volcano currently shows vigorous fumarolic activity, its potential future eruptions poses
a significant volcanic hazard to a large population, important infrastructures and booming
economic activity.
An assessment of the potential volcanic hazard from its future eruptions has been attempted
based on the volcano’s past eruptive behavior and probable future scenarios. Tentative volcanic
hazard maps and zones have been attempted in GIS environment considering eruption scenarios
from six identified vents affecting an area over a moderate distance of 15km radius.
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Keywords
Assessing, Volcanic, Hazards, Future Eruptions, Chabbi Volcano, Centeral Main Ethiopian Rift, Ethiopia