GIS Based Potential Volcanic Hazard Zonation in Ethiopia the Case of Aluto Volcano

Abstract

Aluto volcano is one of the active volcanoes found in the Central Main Rift of Ethiopia. The present activities of Aluto volcano indicate the existence of future potential eruption. But, there are no considerable studies conducted in this area concerning the potential volcanic hazards. This study was mainly focused on predicting future Aluto volcanic hazards and preparing potential volcanic hazard zone map. Intensive field study was made to have insight about the past erupted volcanic units and the geomorphologic conditions of the study area. Accordingly, the future Aluto volcanic eruptions such as pyroclastic flow and fall deposits, dome collapse, vulcanian and Sub-plianian types of eruptions that will consist of pyroclastic flows and pyroclastic falls, ignimbrite-forming eruptions, slightly explosive strombolian type of eruptions which leads to the formation of scoria/cinder cones and basaltic eruption and phreato-magmatic eruptions were foreseen to erupt from different vents. The potential volcanic hazard map was prepared based on elevation, slope angle, drainage networks and distance from the central Aluto caldera. Analisis of the four factors were made based on multi-criteria evaluation method intigrated with Geographical Information System methodology. Consequently, the potential volcanic hazards of the study area were classified to Very high, High, Moderate, Low and Very low potential volcanic hazard levels. The hazard map can be used for the purpose of land use planning and as a base to conduct further studs concerning Aluto volcanic hazards. Awareness creation contneous follow up of Aluto Volcano and further studies such as vulnerability assessment are essential for emergency management and volcanic disaster risk reduction in the study area.

Keywords: Aluto Volcano, Geographical Information System, Multi Criteria Approach, potential volcanic Hazard