Assessing the effect of volcano-tectonic activity on the spatial distribution of surface temperature in the Main Ethiopian Rift, using integrated approach of remote sensing data

Abstract

ABSTRACT Heat energy continuously flows from the interior of the earth’s layers to the surface, usually associated with rifting and faulting the earth’s crust. So, the spatial distribution of heat energy in the earth’s crust differs laterally and vertically depending on several factors, such as radioactive isotopes in the area’s rock, volcano-tectonic, and hydrological nature. The study was conducted in the Northern segment of the Main Ethiopian Rift. Geological and volcanic structures have been considered to determine the effect of volcano-tectonic activity on the spatial variability of surface temperature. The surface kinetic temperature was retrieved from Landsat 8 imagery using the Emissivity Modulation method, resulting in minimum and maximum values of 21 and 45.9°C. The higher surface temperature anomalies (>45°C) has been found in the region of densely concentrated geological and volcanic structures. Based on this present study’s analysis, the effect of volcano-tectonic activity has been observed on the spatial distribution of surface temperature over the study area. Most of these areas have been found in Dofan to Fantale volcanic fields. Moreover, it is observed along the Main Ethiopian rift axis in which recent volcano-tectonic activity was found.