Hayli Gubbi Volcanic Eruption in Ethiopia

The Hayli Gubbi volcano in northeastern Ethiopia erupted for the first time in about 12,000 years on Sunday. This rare eruption led to the emission of a high-altitude cloud of volcanic ash.

Impact on Air Travel

• The volcanic ash traveled at altitudes where most long-distance airplanes fly, posing risks such as reduced visibility and potential inhalation of toxic gases like sulphur dioxide (SO2).
• Airline schedules were disrupted to avoid these hazards, but normalcy was expected to resume by Tuesday evening as per the India Meteorological Department.

Characteristics of the Eruption

• Unlike typical eruptions, there was no lava or magma flow; rather, large amounts of gas and plume, possibly containing small rock fragments and glass, were ejected.
• The ash and gases rose 15-40 km above the surface due to the heat making the air lighter, allowing it to carry the finer particles and gases.

Trajectory of the Volcanic Ash

• The ash and gases moved westwards, entering the Indian region through Gujarat and Rajasthan, then towards Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, following air currents.
• They were anticipated to move completely into China by Tuesday evening.

Health and Aviation Risks

• While the plume posed no direct threat to human health due to its high altitude, it was a significant risk to airplanes that operate at similar altitudes.
• The very fine particles could melt inside airplane engines, causing malfunctions, and potentially clog filters and sensors.

Mitigation and Monitoring

• An international network tracks volcanic eruptions and issues alerts for potential risks, aiding in air traffic management.
• The impact of volcanic plumes is generally short-term, with clouds and rains helping to disperse and wash out fine particles.
• Although gases like sulphur dioxide can persist longer, their concentrations are not sufficient to alter atmospheric conditions significantly.