Manda Hararo

Manda Hararo
Satellite image of Manda Hararo
Highest point
Elevation	600 m (2,000 ft)
Coordinates	12°10′0″N 40°49′0″E
Geography
Manda Hararo Ethiopia, Danakil Depression
Geology
Mountain type	Shield Volcanoes
Last eruption	June to July 2009

Manda Hararo is a group of basaltic shield volcanoes in east Africa that last erupted in 2009. The group is very large, spreading over 105 square kilometres (41 sq mi). At its northern end is a small cluster. South of this volcano is the Gumatmali-Gablaytu fissure system, an area dominated by fissure-fed lava flows. At the centre of the complex rise two volcanoes. Manda Hararo's large size is because it is a raised block from the end of a mid-ocean ridge spreading center. It is known for its rare basalts.

Eruptions

2007 eruption

Manda Hararo erupted on August 13, 2007. NASA's Aura Satellite detected a large sulfur dioxide plume over Ethiopia and Sudan. Satellite imagery showed a lava flow emitted by Manda Hararo. Local residents reported that no precursors to the eruption had taken place. The first sign was a sudden, heavy, cracking sound with a slight tremor. At 17:30, fire was seen coming from Manda Hararo, "lighting up the entire area." Locals evacuated while the violent eruptions continued for three days. After the main eruption, lava flows continued and much of the fissure gave off strong fumarolic activity. On August 20, a team of scientists visited the area.

2009 eruption

On 29 June another plume was detected from the same area. Imagery showed thermal abnormalities coming from Manda Hararo. A team of field scientists reached the site on 4 July and found the eruption had produced basaltic lava flows from fissures 4–5 kilometres (2.5–3.1 mi) long. The fissures were lined by scoria 'ramparts'. The eruption was possibly bigger than the 2007 eruption. By the time the scientists reached the fissure, it only emitted steam.

References

• Volcano Live John Search, www.volcanolive.com