Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi Volcano erupted for the first time

• Ethiopia’s long-dormant Hayli Gubbi volcano has erupted for the first time in more than 12,000 years.
• The eruption released a massive ash cloud across the Red Sea and South Asia.
• The ash cloud spread further and reached India, affecting aviation visibility.
• The ash dispersion forced diversion of several flights due to safety concerns.

Types of Lava

1. Acidic lava contains high silica, which makes it thicker and more viscous.
   1. Acidic lava does not travel far because of its high viscosity.
   1. Acidic lava forms steep-sided or cone-shaped volcanoes.
2. Basic or basaltic lava contains low silica, which makes it highly fluid.
   1. Basaltic lava travels long distances due to its low viscosity.
   1. Basaltic lava forms gently sloped or shield volcanoes.

Volcanic Eruptions: Key Concepts

• A volcanic eruption refers to the expulsion of gases, rock fragments, and molten lava from within Earth to its surface or atmosphere.
• The Earth’s mantle is a high-density layer below the crust that contains semi-molten material.
  • The mantle contains the asthenosphere, which is a weak and partially molten layer.
• Magma originates in the asthenosphere and consists of molten rock material.
• Dissolved gases inside magma expand and increase internal pressure.
• This pressure pushes magma upward towards the Earth’s surface.
• Magma forces its way through cracks or fissures in the crust, causing an eruption.

Materials Released During Eruptions

• When magma reaches the surface, it is called lava.
• Volcanic eruptions also release pyroclastic debris, which includes fragmented volcanic material.
• Eruptions may eject volcanic bombs, which are large semi-molten rocks.
• Eruptions produce volcanic ash and dust, which disperse widely through the atmosphere.
• Volcanic gases include nitrogen compounds and sulphur compounds.

Recent Global Volcanic Events

• Recent volcanic incidents include Sabancaya in Peru (2025).
• Another significant eruption occurred at Ruang in Indonesia (2025).
• The Kilauea volcano in the USA showed activity in 2024.
• Mount Etna in Italy erupted in 2025.

Consequences of Volcanic Eruptions

Positive Impacts	Negative Impacts
Volcanic eruptions provide direct information about Earth’s interior.	Volcanic eruptions cause air pollution through ash and toxic gases.
Volcanic regions act as important sources of geothermal energy.	Volcanic gases may lead to acid rain formation.
Volcanic aerosols can cause temporary cooling of the atmosphere by blocking sunlight.	Eruptions may trigger earthquakes due to seismic disturbances.Volcanic hazards may result in loss of life and property.