Insights on the Interplay of Rifting, Transcrustal Magmatism and Formation of Geothermal Resources in the Central Segment of the Ethiopian Rift Revealed by 3-D Magnetotelluric Imaging

The Main Ethiopian Rift is accompanied by extensive volcanism and the formation of geothermal systems, both having a direct impact on the lives of millions of inhabitants. Although previous studies in the region found evidence that asthenospheric upwelling and associated decompression melting provide melt to magmatic systems that feed the tectono-magmatic segments in the rift valley, there is a lack of geophysical models imaging these regional and local scale transcrustal structures. To address this challenge, we use the magnetotelluric method and image subsurface electrical conductivity to examine the magmatic roots of Aluto volcano, quantify and interpret the melt distribution in the crust considering established concepts of continental rifting processes and constrain the formed geothermal system. Specifically, we combined regional (maximum 30 x 120 km(2)) and local (15 x 15 km(2)) magnetotelluric data sets and obtained the first multi-scale 3-D electrical conductivity model of a segment of the central Main Ethiopian Rift. The model unravels a magma ponding zone with up to 7 vol. % melt at the base of the crust (30-35 km b.s.l.) in the western part of the rift and its connection to Aluto volcano via a fault-aligned transcrustal magma system. Melt accumulates at shallow crustal depths (=4 km b.s.l.), thereby providing heat for Aluto's geothermal system. Our model suggests that different volcano-tectonic lineaments in the rift valley share a common melt source. The presented model provides new constraints on the melt distribution below a segment of the rift which is important for future geothermal developments and volcanic hazard assessments in the region.

Automated summary

The Main Ethiopian Rift is characterized by extensive volcanism and the formation of geothermal systems, directly impacting the lives of millions of people. Through the use of magnetotelluric method, a multi-scale 3D electrical conductivity model of a segment of the central Main Ethiopian Rift was obtained, revealing a magma ponding zone and its connection to Aluto volcano via a fault-aligned transcrustal magma system. This model provides important constraints for future geothermal developments and volcanic hazard assessments in the region.