Source: NDTV
Subject: Geography
Context: A massive volcanic ash cloud from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano—which erupted after nearly 10,000 years—has drifted toward India, raising concerns over air quality and aviation.
About Hayli Gubbi Volcano:
What it is?
- Hayli Gubbi is a shield volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar Region, known for broad, gently sloping volcanic structures formed by low-viscosity basaltic lava typical of the East African Rift system.
Located In: It lies in the Afar Depression of Ethiopia, at the southern end of the Erta Ale volcanic range, one of the most active tectonic and volcanic zones in the world.
History Background:
- No confirmed eruptions for ~10,000–12,000 years (Holocene).
- On 23 November 2025, a sudden sub-plinian eruption produced an ash plume reaching 45,000 ft (FL450).
- The plume drifted across Red Sea, Yemen, Oman, and then moved east toward western India.
Key Features:
- Shield volcano type—broad, low-gradient, large lava fields.
- Part of the divergent plate boundary where the African Plate is rifting.
- Eruption produced volcanic ash, SO₂, glass shards, and rock particles transported at high altitudes (15,000–45,000 ft).
- Classified as sub-plinian due to vertical column height and ash dispersal scale.
Other Major Volcanoes in Africa:
- Mount Nyiragongo (DR Congo) – One of the world’s fastest lava flows.
- Mount Silali (Kenya) – Extinct caldera volcano.
- Dabbahu Volcano (Ethiopia) – Rift-related fissure eruptions.
- Mount Alayta (Ethiopia) – Part of Afar Rift.
- Ardoukoba (Djibouti) – Erupted in 1978.
- Mallahle (Ethiopia) – Stratovolcano.
- Asavyo (Ethiopia) – Volcanic field within Afar rift.
Impact on India:
- Air Quality:
- Ash is at high altitudes, limiting ground-level mixing; Delhi is unlikely to see major AQI deterioration.
- Skies may appear hazy/darker but pollutants will remain mostly aloft.
- Health & Climate:
- SO₂ can contribute to acid rain regionally, but concentrations over India appear limited.
- Volcanic particles may briefly affect solar radiation and visibility.
