A rare and extraordinary event has unfolded in Ethiopia, where Mount Fentale has released vast plumes of methane, shocking scientists and sparking concerns about its potential climate impact.
Mount Fentale, located in northern Ethiopia, began expelling methane in staggering quantities, an unusual occurrence for volcanic activity. The event was first detected via satellite monitoring by the European Space Agency’s Copernicus program, with further verification by Canadian firm GHGSat, which specializes in tracking greenhouse gases.
Methane emissions from the volcano peaked at 58 metric tonnes per hour far beyond normal volcanic gas emissions, which typically involve carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. The sheer volume suggests that magma movements deep underground may have disturbed a methane-rich gas deposit, creating new fissures that allowed the gas to escape.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping 28 times more heat than carbon dioxide over a century. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, it is the second-largest contributor to global warming, accounting for roughly 11% of total emissions worldwide.
The event at Mount Fentale is unlike any previously recorded volcanic activity. The last known eruption of the volcano occurred in 1820, with prior activity traced back to the 13th century. In recent months, satellite data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program had already noted increased thermal activity in the region, hinting at underlying geological changes.
Emissions Slow, But Questions Remain
GHGSat reports that methane emissions began declining on February 9, suggesting that the event may have been a temporary geological occurrence rather than an indicator of an imminent eruption. Scientists are now closely monitoring the area to determine whether similar events could happen elsewhere.
This unexpected release of methane underscores the critical role of satellite monitoring in detecting and understanding greenhouse gas emissions. As the world grapples with climate change, such natural phenomena highlight the need for comprehensive tracking of methane sources—whether human-made or geological.
