Stratigraphy and eruptive history of Corbetti Caldera in the main Ethiopian rift

Journal article

The East African Rift (EAR) hosts the highest density of peralkaline volcanoes of any region globally, making it an ideal location to study the subaerial and magmatic processes of peralkaline volcanism. Corbetti caldera is one such peralkaline centre found within the southern part of the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER), a segment of the EAR. Corbetti is actively deforming and has previously undergone large-scale Plinian eruptions. However, our broader understanding of Corbetti’s evolution is limited. Here we present a detailed study of the pre-, syn-and post-caldera eruptive deposits and compile them into a composite stratigraphy of the volcanic sequence. We find evidence for multiple previously undocumented large-scale eruptions, including the deposition of two pre-caldera lithic lag breccias, and we identify three additional post-caldera obsidian lavas. We constrain the age of a young Tuff Cone, Biftu, which sits outside the caldera walls, to < 7375 ± 54 cal BP through 14C dating of shells within an associated PDC deposit. The Wendo Koshe Cone, the most recent cone within the complex, is interpreted as the remains of two cones that opened in close proximity to each other and formed the vents for two pyroclastic eruptions: Bedded Pumice and Wendo Koshe Younger Pumice (WKYP). There is abundant evidence for the occurrence of pyroclastic density currents (PDC) within the caldera, usually associated with pumice cone-forming eruptions. These flow deposits rarely extend beyond the caldera walls. From our compiled stratigraphy, we estimate a recurrence rate of one eruption per 300-400 years over the last 2.3 ky. These findings are especially significant as Corbetti is earmarked for potential geothermal exploration, and an understanding of eruptive frequency and style provides vital context to assess the potential hazards associated with this future infrastructure.

Authors: Pyle, D; Colby, D; Fontijn, K; Mather, TA; Melaku, AA

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Journal: Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research
• Volume: 428
• Article number: 107580
• Publication date: 2022-05-21
• Acceptance date: 2022-05-16
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2022.107580
• ISSN: 0377-0273
• Language: English
• Keywords: FFR