A Sudden Volcanic Eruption in Danakil: Hayli Gubbi Awakens After Millennia of Dormancy:
The Danakil region in Ethiopia’s Afar Province witnessed an unexpected geological event after the long-dormant Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on Sunday. This surprising activity from a volcano that has shown no recorded eruptions for thousands of years has drawn international scientific attention.
A Massive Ash Plume Reaches Up to 15 Kilometers
According to early observations, the eruption released a massive column of volcanic ash and gases—especially sulfur dioxide—into the atmosphere. The ash plume rose between 10 and 15 kilometers, peaking at around 14 km above sea level, high enough to penetrate the upper layers of the troposphere and approach the boundaries of the stratosphere.
This elevation has raised concerns about potential impacts on aviation routes and regional air quality.
Why This Eruption Matters
The Danakil Depression is one of the most geologically active areas on Earth, yet the Hayli Gubbi crater has remained unusually quiet for millennia. Its sudden reactivation may signal deeper tectonic changes beneath the Afar Triangle, where the African, Arabian, and Somali tectonic plates meet.
Volcanologists suggest that further monitoring is essential, as the eruption could indicate an ongoing magmatic intrusion, potentially leading to continuous activity or additional fissure eruptions in the surrounding area.
Environmental and Climatic Implications
The large amount of sulfur dioxide injected into the upper atmosphere could temporarily affect regional climate conditions. While the global effects are expected to be minimal due to the eruption’s short duration, local weather patterns and air quality may experience noticeable changes in the coming days.
Authorities in the Afar Region are closely observing wind direction and dispersion patterns to assess any hazards for nearby communities.
Worldwide Scientific Interest
Given its rarity, the eruption has sparked global interest among geologists and volcanology research centers. Satellite imagery and early seismic data are now being analyzed to understand the underlying magmatic processes and evaluate whether the event signals a new phase of volcanic activity in Ethiopia’s Rift Valley.