Erta Ale, located in Ethiopia, is a mesmerizing active volcano known for its unique characteristics and constant lava lake activity. One of the key aspects that experts and researchers delve into is the composition of this volcanic wonder. In this article, we will take a closer look at the chemical makeup of Erta Ale, analyzing the gases emitted and their respective percentages.
The Role of Hornito in Erta Ale’s Composition
A hornito, a small volcanic vent, situated close to the active lava lake of Erta Ale, provides valuable insight into the composition of this volcano. Researchers conducted chemical analyses on samples collected on 23 January 1974, allowing us to understand the mol-% percentages of various gases. Let’s delve into the findings and explore the remarkable composition of Erta Ale.
The Dominant Gas: H2O
With a whopping 79.4 mol-%, water vapor (H2O) stands out as the most abundant gas emitted by Erta Ale. This shouldn’t come as a surprise since water plays a fundamental role in any volcano’s chemistry, influencing its overall activity and eruption patterns. The high concentration of H2O reveals the presence of a significant hydrothermal system within Erta Ale.
CO2: A Sizeable Presence
Erta Ale boasts a substantial amount of carbon dioxide (CO2), accounting for 10.4 mol-% of the emitted gases. This emphasizes the intense volcanic activity taking place within the volcano. The high CO2 content indicates the release of trapped gases from the Earth’s mantle, contributing to Erta Ale’s dynamic nature.
The Inclusion of Sulfur
Sulfur, known for its distinct smell and yellow color, is a noteworthy component of Erta Ale’s composition. The total sulfur content, comprising various sulfur compounds, is measured to be approximately 7.36 mol-%. This sulfur emission not only adds to the volcanic aroma but also influences the overall volcanic behavior through interactions with other gases and minerals.
HCl: The Volcanic Acid
Hydrochloric acid (HCl), a volatile and corrosive compound, is present in Erta Ale’s gas emissions, though in a lower proportion of 0.42 mol-%. This is a clear indication of the presence of active hydrothermal systems within the volcano, allowing for the formation of acidic compounds.
H2 and N2: Traces of Other Gases
Besides the prominent gases mentioned above, Erta Ale also emits trace amounts of hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen (N2). These gases make up 1.49 mol-% and 0.18 mol-% of the volcanic emissions, respectively. While their concentrations might be relatively low, they contribute to the overall complexity of the volcano’s composition.
CO: The Carbon Monoxide Presence
Carbon monoxide (CO) is detectable in Erta Ale’s emissions, albeit in a modest amount of 0.46 mol-%. The presence of CO further underscores the volcanic activity and the ongoing process of magma degassing within the volcano.
COS: A Minor Component
Among the gases emitted by Erta Ale, carbonyl sulfide (COS) appears in trace quantities, accounting for only a small percentage of the overall composition. While its proportion might be minimal, its presence contributes to the volcano’s chemical intricacies.
Ar: The Insignificant Argon
Lastly, argon (Ar) completes the list of gases present in Erta Ale’s composition. Constituting a mere 0.001 mol-%, argon’s contribution is relatively insignificant compared to the other gases. However, it serves as a reminder of the diverse range of gases expelled by this mighty volcano.
Unlocking the Secrets of Erta Ale
Through chemical analyses, the composition of Erta Ale’s emissions comes to light, revealing a fascinating blend of gases. Water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur compounds, hydrochloric acid, and trace amounts of hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbonyl sulfide, and argon all play a role in the volcanic activities of this intriguing volcano. With a deeper understanding of Erta Ale’s composition, scientists and researchers are better equipped to unveil the secrets of this natural wonder.
