Fentale

 

Fentale is an active stratovolcano located at the northern end of the Main Ethiopian Rift. It features a prominent elliptical caldera and is primarily composed of rhyolitic obsidian lava flows and lesser amounts of tuff. The caldera’s formation involved the eruption of welded pantelleritic ash flows, creating steep walls perpendicular to the rift axis. Subsequent volcanic activity has followed this orientation, producing newer lava flows on the volcano’s flanks and within the caldera itself. Fentale remains active, with ongoing fumarolic gas release and recent seismic activity.

Location: Ethiopia
Coordinates: 8.986654, 39.904416
Volcano Type: Stratovolcano

 

Fentale’s Location

 

Fentale’s Latest Status

2025: Fentale volcano has experienced heightened unrest in recent months. Beginning in late December 2024, a significant increase in seismic activity was detected, with numerous earthquakes occurring beneath the volcano’s northeastern flank. These earthquakes, while mostly shallow, are clustered and suggest potential magma movement. In early January 2025, a hydrothermal explosion occurred southwest of the volcano, accompanied by mud volcanism along fissures. This activity, combined with the ongoing seismic unrest, has prompted authorities to evacuate nearby communities as a precautionary measure. Although no eruption has occurred yet, the situation warrants close monitoring for further developments.

 

Fentale’s Eruptive History

Year Eruptive Activity
~1250 CE Significant rhyolitic eruptions, producing extensive lava flows. Possibly responsible for the destruction of a nearby town and church.
1820 CE Basaltic lava flows erupted from a 4-km-long fissure on the southern flank, also reaching the caldera floor.
2015 No eruption, but a seismic swarm and ground deformation indicated a magmatic intrusion beneath the volcano’s northeastern flank.
2024-2025 Increased seismic activity, a hydrothermal explosion, and mud volcanism suggest renewed unrest and potential for future eruptions.

 

Fentale Monitoring

Not available for this volcano.

 

Fentale Images