Interconnectivity of magmatic and hydrothermal systems of Aluto volcano in the Main Ethiopian Rift inferred from seismicity

Yemane, T. and Hudson, T.S. and Kendall, J.M. and Blundy, J. and Tadesse, A.Z. and Hammond, James O.S. and Ayele, A. and Ogubazghi, G. and Lapins, S. (2025) Interconnectivity of magmatic and hydrothermal systems of Aluto volcano in the Main Ethiopian Rift inferred from seismicity. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth 130 (6), ISSN 0148-0227.

Abstract

Aluto volcano, situated in the central Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) within the northern part of the East African Rift System (EARS) is seismically active, with indications of unrest detected by InSAR. It hosts Ethiopia's first pilot project for geothermal energy. Despite extensive studies, uncertainties remain about the mechanisms of unrest and the existence of a shallow magma chamber beneath Aluto which could drive the hydrothermal system, and is crucial for understanding its geothermal potential. This study investigates Aluto's magmatic and hydrothermal systems using observations of seismicity in the region. We analyze seismic data from January 2012 to January 2014, locating 2,393 events, which lie predominantly along the Wonji Fault Belt (WFB). Event depths reach up to 40 km beneath Aluto, suggesting the presence of a highly crystallized body at shallow depth, consistent with previous magnetotelluric and gravity studies. Deep crustal seismicity likely relates to fluid and/or magmatic processes. High b-values of 1.97 ± 0.10 at Aluto indicates the presence of fluids. Seismicity is negligible beneath Silti Debre Zeyt Fault Zone (SDFZ), previously identified as a highly conductive, indicative of melt. Focal mechanisms show normal faulting in the direction of rift extension and full-moment tensor inversions suggest shear-failure with fluids potentially activating existing faults. We suggest that the magmatic and hydrothermal systems are connected through pre-existing faults. Understanding this interaction will enhance our knowledge of the geothermal system, volcanic risk, mechanisms of unrest, and emplacement of geothermal brines.

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