Unveiling the Mystery: Ethiopian Volcano Releases Massive Methane Burst – What It Means for Our Planet

Something unusual is happening at Mount Fentale in Ethiopia’s Awash National Park. Seismic activity is increasing, and it’s releasing a lot of methane gas—more than you typically find from a volcano. Instead of the usual carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide, Mount Fentale is emitting about 58 metric tonnes of methane every hour. This was reported by GHGSat, a Canadian company that monitors greenhouse gases.

John Stix, a geology professor at McGill University, pointed out that the high methane levels are not what you usually see from volcanic eruptions. Typically, volcanoes release gases like carbon dioxide. While carbon dioxide is well-known for contributing to climate change, methane is even more powerful. It can trap 28 times more heat than carbon dioxide does.

The presence of such a large amount of methane suggests that something more complex is at play beneath the surface. Instead of magma rising close to the surface, it seems that the movement of magma deep underground might have opened up a gas deposit.

Interestingly, the methane emissions appear to be decreasing. GHGSat’s Jason McKeever mentioned that the levels began to drop around February 9. This trend is a relief to researchers and locals alike.

Mount Fentale has been quiet for over 200 years. Its last eruption was in 1820, when a fissure opened and caused a lava flow. Before that, a significant eruption in the 13th century destroyed a town and church nearby. Recently, signs of unrest have been noted, including thermal anomalies detected by satellites in January. These anomalies indicate that something might be stirring below the surface.

In early January, smoke started to escape from vents on another local volcano, Mount Dofan, prompting fears and evacuations among residents. Dofan has not shown any signs of an eruption in thousands of years, making the current activity particularly noteworthy. However, predicting volcanic eruptions remains very challenging, so it’s important to stay cautious but not overly alarmed.

With ongoing monitoring, scientists are keen to understand more about what’s happening at Mount Fentale. While we keep an eye on it, let’s also remember the broader environmental issues we face today.