Focal person Message
The Focal Person Silti-Butajira Geopark
Mr Wondimu abate urgo
It gives me great pleasure to encourage you to discover Silti-Butajira's rich geoheritage, lively culture, and breathtaking scenery as the centrepiece of this special and priceless location. Our geopark is committed to community involvement, sustainable tourism, and the preservation of exceptional geological formations. We cordially invite partners, academics, and tourists to join us in preserving and honouring this incredible natural legacy. By working together, we can guarantee that Silti-Butajira Geopark will continue to motivate next generations
Sincerely,
Address :- Wabate22@gmail.com
Geological Features
The geopark encompasses the Butajira volcanic field, which stretches approximately 80 km in a northeast-southwest direction and consists of numerous basaltic cinder cones, maars (crater-like volcanic depressions formed by explosive eruptions), and extensive lava flows. These volcanic features are predominantly Quaternary in age, reflecting recent geological activity related to the rift's extension. The region's rock formations include Late Miocene to Pleistocene ignimbrites, basaltic flood lavas, trachytic lava flows, pyroclastic deposits, and rift-related sedimentary sequences. The tectonic framework is dominated by major faults such as the Guraghe fault zone and the Silti-Debre Zeyit fault system, which serve as boundaries and conduits for magma movement and geothermal fluids. Geothermal potential is evident through subsurface conductive layers and thermal surface manifestations, linked to these fault-controlled structures. Petrochemical studies show the basalts derive largely from a homogeneous mantle source with evidence of shallow crustal magma differentiation.
Geo Site
cultural heritages
Key Geological Sites
