Geological Overview

The Silti-Butajera Geopark, located in the Butajira Volcanic Field (BVF), showcases a distinctive volcanic and tectonic geological landscape on the western margin of the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER). The geological overview highlights several key aspects:

• The region is primarily composed of Late Miocene to Pleistocene ignimbrites, Oligocene flood basalts, and Pliocene to Pleistocene trachytic lava flows, along with pyroclastic fall and flow deposits.

• The Butajira Volcanic Field consists of a large group of basaltic cinder cones, maars (volcanic craters formed by explosive eruptions), and lava flows that predominantly trend in a northeast-southwest direction along the Silti-Butajira-Debre Zeyit Fault Zone.

• The volcanic field features a still-standing volcano with crystallized lava flows forming extensive lava canyons, a spectacular crater lake, basaltic rock caves, numerous waterfalls, and geysers—all together presenting a rich geomorphological landscape.

• The area’s flat terrain east of the Guraghe fault escarpment is characterized by secondary geological deposits such as talus, fan, alluvial, colluvial, and lacustrine sediments.

• The tectonic setting and volcanic activity are associated with the extensional regime of the Main Ethiopian Rift, which involves seismic activity, faulting, and varied volcanic eruptions including monogenetic basaltic volcanoes.

• This geological setting offers a natural laboratory to study volcanism related to continental rifting, volcanic hazard assessment, and the dynamic interplay of tectonics and surface processes.

Overall, the Silti-Butajera Geopark's geology is marked by diverse volcanic landforms and complex tectonic structures that emphasize its importance for geoconservation, scientific research, and geotourism in Ethiopia.