Geological report reveals nature of health and environmental risks linked to volcanic ash that reached parts of Yemen
Yemen
Yamanat
A geological report carried out by the Sanaa General Authority for Geological Surveys on the composition of volcanic ash arriving in Yemen from the Haile Gobi volcano in the Afar region – Ethiopia, said that geological data and analysis confirmed that the sample dates back to basaltic volcanic ash from the source and that it arrived in Yemen due to high-altitude winds.
The report says the ash is not dangerous to health or the environment, but requires continued scientific monitoring if it continues to reach Yemen.
Report text
Geological report on the composition of volcanic ash arriving in Yemen from the Haile Gobi volcano – Afar, Ethiopia
Sending part:
Geological Survey and Mineral Resources Authority Office – Hodeidah Governorate
Performing party:
Central Laboratory of the Geological Survey – Main Center – Sana’a
Method used:
Aqua Regia + Whole Rock
Device used:
-Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)
Subject of the report:
Analysis and interpretation of a sample of volcanic ash arrived in Yemen following the recent volcanic activity of the Halei Gobi volcano, located in the Afar – Ethiopia region, along the African Rift.
introduction
I had previously reassured citizens of the non-danger of the volcanic ash which reached certain regions of the country following the eruption of the Haile Gobi volcano in Afar – Ethiopia.
This report confirmed these assurances, as laboratory analyzes of a sample of volcanic ash that fell in Hodeidah governorate showed that its composition is natural basalt and presents no indication of serious risks to health or the environment, which is consistent with the nature of volcanic ash known in this region.
Engineer Fahd Al-Buraq
First: Basic laboratory data for the sample
1. Chemical analysis of oxides (%)
SiO₂ = 46.3%
Al₂O₃ = 13.66%
Fe₂O₃ = 1.46%
MgO = 0.33%
CaO = 0.37%
Na₂O = 0.33%
K₂O = 0.64%
MnO = 0.02%
LI = 19.3%
2. Trace elements (ppm)
Cr = 164 ppm
Ni = 118 ppm
Zn = 118 ppm
Pb = 71 ppm
Cu = 46 ppm
Co = 18 ppm
Zr = 71 ppm
Second: Geological interpretation of the sample
1. The nature of ashes
The low percentage of silica (46.3%) clearly indicates that the ashes are basic basalt, which is the predominant type in the Afar – Ethiopia volcanoes, characterized by eruptions:
Fissure Eruptions
Basaltic lava
Long openings extending along the axis of the East African rift.
This is entirely consistent with the nature of the Haile Gobi volcano, which, during its recent activity, has produced columns of dark basalt ash blown by winds towards the Red Sea and a number of governorates in western and central Yemen.
2. High operating loss (LOI = 19.3%)
Noted :
High humidity.
Ash interacts with atmospheric water during transport.
Possible presence of volatile materials or carbonates.
Rapid deposition after a long transport by the wind.
3. Heavy metals
Relatively high values for:
Cr
Neither
Zn
Pb
It reflects a formation associated with the Afar alkaline basalt, where the rocks are rich in iron and metallic minerals.
4. Geological compatibility
The results correspond exactly to the compositions recorded for the ashes of the Afar volcanoes, such as:
Erta Ale
Dabbahou
Flamingo/Halei Gobi Fissure Field
They all produce basalt ash with low silica and high transition element content.
Third: Environmental and health impacts on Yemen
1. Environmental impacts
Ashes can contribute to increased concentrations of heavy metals. To a small extent, the effect is limited in the soil and does not pose a direct danger to agricultural soils.
2. Health effects
According to the analysis, the composition is not toxic and there is no indication of the presence of dangerous elements at levels threatening public health.
Fourth: the implications of the arrival of ashes in Yemen
The arrival of ashes from Afar in Yemen indicates:
1. The strength of the volcanic column during the eruption.
2. Strong southwesterly stratified wind activity carrying ash across the Red Sea.
3. The possibility that the phenomenon will recur when the eruption continues.
Fifth: scientific recommendations
Perform diffraction analysis (XRD) to accurately identify crystalline minerals.
Conclusion
Geological data and analyzes confirm that the sample belongs to basaltic volcanic ash, originating from the Haile Gobi volcano in the Afar – Ethiopia region, and that it reached Yemen due to strong winds. The ash is not hazardous to health or the environment, but it requires continued scientific monitoring if it continues to reach Yemen.
Yemen