Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • Review Article
  • Published:

Ethiopian flood basalt province

Nature volume 303, pages 577–584 (1983)Cite this article

Abstract

The most voluminous outpourings of lava on the land surface of the Earth have built imposing stacks of superimposed basalt flows, as much as several thousands of metres thick. Such stacks, or piles, were fed from linear zones of fracturing and fissuring in the crust through which basaltic magma emerged in successive pulses, flooding out over the surrounding region for distances as far as a few hundred kilometres. The fluid nature of these ‘flood basalt’ lavas resulted in the formation of a subdued or planar new topography which, when uplifted during subsequent tectonic episodes, has produced what are popularly termed ‘volcanic plateaus’.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Buy this article

  • Purchase on Springer Link
  • Instant access to full article PDF
Buy now

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Gibson, I. L. Tectonophysics 3, 447–456 (1966).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  2. Du Toit, A. L. Trans. R. Soc. S. Afr. 18, 189–217 (1929).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Ferret, A. & Galinier Voyage en Abyssinie dans les Provinces du Tigré, du Samen et de l'Amhara (Paulin, Paris, 1847).

    Google Scholar 

  4. Blanford, W. T. J. geol. Soc. Lond. 25, 401–406 (1869).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Dainelli, G. & Marinelli, O. Risultati scientifici di un viaggio nella Colonia Eritrea (R. Ist. St. Super. Perfez., Firenze, 1912).

    Google Scholar 

  6. Manasse, E. Contribuzioni allo studio petrografico della Colonia Eritrea (Nava, Siena, 1909).

    Google Scholar 

  7. Duparc, L. Schweiz. Miner. Petrogr. Mitt. 10, 1–37 (1930).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Merla, G. & Minucci, E. Missone geologica nel Tigrai (R. Accad. d'Italia, Roma, 1938).

    Google Scholar 

  9. Gortaní, M. & Bianchi, A. Mem. R. Accad. Sci. Ist Bologna 8(9), 1–18 (1941).

    Google Scholar 

  10. Dainelli, G. Geologia dell' Africa Orientale (4 Vols) (R. Accad. d'Italia, Roma, 1943).

    Google Scholar 

  11. Comucci, P. Le vulcaniti del Lago Tana, Africa Orientale (Accad. Naz. Lincei, Roma, 1950).

    Google Scholar 

  12. Grabham, G. W. & Black, R. P. Report on the mission to Lake Tana 1920–21 (Government Press, Cairo, 1925).

    Google Scholar 

  13. Mohr, P. Smithson. Astrophys. Obs. Spec. Rep. 339, 1–85 (1971).

    ADS  Google Scholar 

  14. Rodolico, F. & Pieruccini, R. Comment. Pontif. Acad. Sci. 6, 788–812 (1942).

    Google Scholar 

  15. McKenzie, D. P., Davies, D. & Molnar, P. Nature 266, 243–248.

  16. Taieff, H. & Varet, J. Rev. Géogr. Phys: Géol. Dynam. 11, 129–450 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  17. Brinckmann, J. & Kürsten, M. Geological Sketch Map of the Danakil Depression, 1:250,000, four sheets (Bundesanstalt f. Bodenforsch., Hannover, 1970).

    Google Scholar 

  18. Barberi, F., Giglia, G., Marinelli, G., Santacroce, R., Tazieff, H. & Varet, J. Carte géologique de la Dépression Danakil, 1:500,000 (CNRS–CNR, Paris, 1971).

    Google Scholar 

  19. Berktold, A., Haak, V. & Angenheister, G. Afar Depression of Ethiopia (eds Pilger, A. & Rösler, A.) 66–79 (Schweizerbart, Stuttgart, 1975).

    Google Scholar 

  20. Mohr, P. The Geology of Ethiopia (University College, Addis Ababa, 1962).

    Google Scholar 

  21. Merla, G. Ann. Mus. Geol. Bologna 31, 1–56 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  22. McDougall, I., Morton, W. H. & Williams, M. A. J. Nature 254, 207–209 (1975).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Merla, G. et al. A Geological Map of Ethiopia and Somalia 1:2,000,000 (1973) (Consiglio Naz. Ricerche, Roma, 1979).

    Google Scholar 

  24. Mohr, P. & Wood, C. A. Earth planet. Sci. Lett. 33, 126–144 (1976).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Mohr, P. Bull. Geophys. Obs. Addis Ababa 10, 79–93 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  26. Simkin, T. et al. Volcanoes of the World (Hutchinson Ross, 1981).

    Google Scholar 

  27. Barberi, R., Ferrara, G., Santacroce, R. & Varet, J. After Depression of Ethiopia (eds Pilger, A. & Rösler, A.) 38–54 (Schweizerbart, Stuttgart, 1975).

    Google Scholar 

  28. Barberi, F. & Varet, J. Bull. geol. Soc. Am. 88, 1251–1266 (1977).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Mohr, P. A. Rev. Earth planet. Sci. 6, 145–172 (1978).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  30. C.N.R.–C.N.R.S. Afar Team. Rev. Géogr. Phys. Géol. Dynam. 15, 443–490 (1973).

  31. Mohr, P., Mitchell, J. G. & Raynolds, R. G. H. Bull. volcan. 43, 173–189 (1980).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Mohr, P. Bull. Geophys. Obs. Addis Ababa 5, 33–62 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  33. Davidson, A. & Rex, D. C. Nature 283, 657–658 (1980).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  34. Morton, W. H., Rex, D. C., Mitchell, J. G. & Mohr, P. Nature 280, 284–288 (1979).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  35. Baker, B. H. & Mitchell, J. G. J. geol. Soc. Lond. 132, 467–484 (1976).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Brown, C. & Girdler, R. W. J. geophys. Res. 85, 6443–6456 (1980).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  37. Kazmin, V., Seife, M. B., Nicoletti, M. & Petrucciani, C. Atti Convegni Lincei 47, 275–292 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  38. Juch, D. Clausthaler Geol. Abh. 29, 1–139 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  39. Zanettin, B., Justin-Visentin, E. & Piccirillo, E. M. Atti Convegni Lincei 47, 253–265 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  40. Williams, L. A. J. Geodynamics 8, 193–222 (1982).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Baker, B. H., Crossley, R. & Coles, G. G. Petrology and Geochemistry of Continental Rifts (eds Neumann, E.-R. & Ramberg, I. B.) 29–50 (Reidel, Dordrecht, 1978).

    Book  Google Scholar 

  42. Baker, B. H., Mohr, P. & Williams, L. A. J. Geol. Soc. Am. Spec. Pap. 136, 1–67 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  43. Mohr, P. & Rogers, A. S. Bull. Geophys. Obs. Addis Ababa 9, 7–58 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  44. Gortani, M. & Bianchi, A. Missione Gelogica dell' AGIP nella Dancalia meridonale e sugli Altipiani Hararini (1936-1938). Acad. Naz. Lincei, Roma (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  45. Purcell, P. G. Nature 261, 569–571 (1976).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  46. Zanettin, B., Justin-Visentin, E., Nicoletti, M. & Piccirillo, E. M. Atti Convegni Lincei 47, 231–252 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  47. Kazmin, V. Geological Map of Ethiopia, 1:2,000,000 (Geological Survey Ethiopia Addis Ababa, 1973).

    Google Scholar 

  48. Mohr, P. Bull. Geophys. Obs. Addis Ababa 6, 103–144 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  49. Mohr, P. J. struct. Geol. 2, 472–473 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  50. Zanettin, B. & Justin-Visentin, E. Afar Depression of Ethiopia (eds Pilger, A. & Rösler, A.) 300–309 (Schweizerbart, Stuttgart, 1975).

    Google Scholar 

  51. Justin-Visentin, E., Nicoletti, M., Tolomeo, L. & Zanettin, B. Bull. volcan. 38, 237–253 (1974).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Jones, P. W. & Rex, D. C. Nature 252, 218–219 (1974).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Jones, P. W. Nature 261, 567–569 (1976).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Mohr, P. Tectonophysics 94, (in the press).

  55. Zanettin, B. & Justin-Visentin, E. Bull. Soc. Geol. It. 92, 313–327 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  56. Zanettin, B. et al. N. Jb. Geol. Paläont. Mh. 9, 567–574 (1974).

    Google Scholar 

  57. Zanettin, B., Gregnanin, A., Justin-Visentin, E., Mezzacasa, G. & Piccirillo, E. M. CNR, Ist. Min. Univ. Padova, 1–43 (1976).

  58. Zanettin, B., Justin-Visentin, E. & Piccirillo, E. M. Mem. Accad. Patavina SS. LL. AA. 90, 1–19 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  59. Juch, D. Atti Convegni Lincei 47, 407–418 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  60. Piccirillo, E. M., Justin-Visentin, E., Zanettin, B., Joron, J. L. & Treuil, M. N. Jb. Geol. Paläont. Abt. 158, 139–179 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  61. Jepsen, D. H. & Athearn, M. J. Geologic Map of Blue Nile Basin, (U.S. Bureau Reclamation, Sacramento, 1961).

    Google Scholar 

  62. Levitte, D., Columba, J. & Mohr, P. Bull. geol. Soc. Am. 85, 417–422 (1974).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Zanettin, B., Justin-Visentin, E., Nicoletti, M. & Petrucciani, C. N. Jb. Geol. Paleont. Mh. 8, 473–490 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  64. Voute, C. Bull. Geophys. Obs. Addis Ababa 1, 73–101 (1959).

    Google Scholar 

  65. Chessex, R., Delaloye, M., Muller, J. & Weidmann, M. Afar Depression of Ethiopia (eds Pilger, A. & Rösler, A.) 221–227 (Schweizerbart, Stuttgart, 1975).

    Google Scholar 

  66. Kunz, K., Kreuzer, H. & Müller, P. Afar Depression of Ethiopia (eds Pilger, A. & Rösler, A.) 370–374 (Schweizerbart, Stuttgart, 1975).

    Google Scholar 

  67. Black, R., Morton, W. H. & Rex, D. C. Afar Depression of Ethiopia (eds Pilger, A. & Rösler, A.) 296–300 (Schweizerbart, Stuttgart, 1975).

    Google Scholar 

  68. Christiansen, T. B., Schaefer, H.-U. & Schönfeld, M. Afar Depression of Ethiopia (eds Pilger, A. & Rösler, A.) 259–277 (Schweizerbart, Stuttgart, 1975).

    Google Scholar 

  69. Civetta, L., De Fino, M., Gasparini, M., Guiara, M. R., La Volpe, L. & Lirer, L. Afar Depression of Ethiopia (eds Pilger A. & Rösler, A.) 201–206 (Schweizerbart, Stuttgart, 1975).

    Google Scholar 

  70. Chessex, R., Delaloye, M. & Fontignie, D. Atti Convegni Lincei 47, 505–514 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  71. Clin, M. et al. Carte Géologique du T.F.A.I. (Djibouti Republic), (University of Bordeaux, 1974–78).

    Google Scholar 

  72. Bannert, D. et al. Geol. Rdsch. 59, 409–443 (1970).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  73. Black, R., Morton, W. H., Rex, D. C. & Shackleton, R. M. C.r. Acad. hebd, Séanc. Sci. Paris D274, 1453–1456 (1972).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  74. Moore, J. M. & Davidson, A. Tectonophysics 46, 159–172 (1978).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  75. Mohr, P. and Potter, E. C. J. Volcan. Geotherm. Res. 1, 55–71 (1976).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  76. Mohr, P. Bull. Geophys. Obs. Addis Ababa 13, 73–89 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  77. Weber, M. Mitt. Geogr. Gesell. Munchen 1, 637–660 (1906).

    Google Scholar 

  78. Comucci, P. Le rocce della regione di Jubdo, Africa Orientale (Atti. Accad. Naz. Lincei, Roma, 1948).

    Google Scholar 

  79. Hieke-Merlin, O. Mem Ist. Geol. Min. Univ. Padova 17, 1–42 (1950).

    Google Scholar 

  80. Mohr, P. Smithson. Contr. Earth Sci. 2, 1–6 (1970).

    ADS  Google Scholar 

  81. Gass, I. G. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A327, 369–381 (1970).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  82. Gass, I. G. Case Study Earth Sci. 2, 1–142 (Open University S336RS, 1980).

    Google Scholar 

  83. Mohr, P. J. geophys. Res. 76, 1967–1984 (1971).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. Barberi, F., Ferrara, G., Santacroce, R., Treuil, M. & Varet, J. J. Petrol. 16, 22–56 (1975).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Brotzu, P., Morbidelli, M., Piccirillo, E. M. & Traversa, G. Bull. volcan. 38, 1–29 (1974).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  86. Augustithis, S. S. Atlas of the Textural Patterns of Basalts and Their Genetic Significance (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1977).

    Google Scholar 

  87. Bizouard, H., Barberi, F. & Varet, J. J. Petrol. 21, 401–436 (1980).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  88. Bellieni, G. et al. Bull. volcan. 44, 411–427 (1981).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  89. Macdonald, G. A. & Katsura, T. J. Petrol. 5, 82–133 (1964).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  90. Yoder, H. S. & Tilley, C. E. J. Petrol. 3, 342–532 (1962).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  91. Mohr, P. Bull. Volcan. (in the press).

  92. Brotzu, P. et al. Atti Conv. Lincei 47, 293–315 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  93. Chayes, F. Yb. Carnegie Instn. Wash. 481–484 (1979).

  94. LeBas, M. J. & Mohr, P. Geol. Mag. 107, 523–529 (1970)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  95. Schubert, W. Afar Depression of Ethiopia (eds Pilger, A. & Rösler, A.) 316–324 (Schweizerbart, Stuttgart, 1975).

    Google Scholar 

  96. Raschka, H. & Muller, P. Afar Depression of Ethiopia (eds Pilger, A. & Rösler, A.) 341–351 (Schweizerbart, Stuttgart, 1975).

    Google Scholar 

  97. LeBas, M. J. & Mohr, P. Geol. Rdsch. 58, 273–280 (1968).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  98. Mohr, P. Atti Convegni Lincei 47, 387–406 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  99. Civetta, L. et al. J. Geol. 83, 363–373 (1975).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  100. Marinelli, G., Quaia, R. & Santacroce, R. Atti Convegni Lincei 47, 421–435 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  101. Ferrara, G. & Santacroce, R. Atti Convegni Lincei 47, 437–453 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  102. Barberi, F., Santacroce, R. & Varet, J. Geodynamics 8, 223–258 (1982).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  103. James, C. Photogeological map of Southern and Central Afar, 1:500,000 (U.N.-Ethiopia Geothermal Survey, Addis Ababa, 1973).

    Google Scholar 

  104. Varet, J. Geological Map of Central and Southern Afar, 1:500,000 (CNRS, Paris 1978).

    Google Scholar 

  105. Makris, J., Menzel, H., Zimmerman, J. & Gouin, P. Afar Depression of Ethiopia (eds Pilger, A. & Rösler, A.) 135–144 (Schweizerbart, Stuttgart, 1975).

    Google Scholar 

  106. Cox, K. G. J. geol. Soc. London. 128, 311–336 (1972).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  107. Ottonello, G., Piccardo, G. B., Joron, J. L. & Treuil, M. Atti Convegni Lincei 47, 463–490 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  108. Cox, K. G. J. Petrol. 21, 629–650 (1980).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  109. Ringwood, A. E. Composition and Petrology of the Earth's Mantle (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1975).

    Google Scholar 

  110. O'Hara, M. J. Nature 266, 503–507 (1977).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  111. Ottonello, G., Piccardo, G. B., Joron, J. L. & Treuil, M. Geol. Rdsch. 67, 547–576 (1978).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  112. Brotzu, P. et al. J. Volcan. Geotherm. Res. 10, 365–382 (1981).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  113. Bailey, D. K. Nature 296, 525–530 (1982).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  114. Barberi, F., Civetta, L. & Varet, J. Earth planet. Sci. Lett. 50, 247–259 (1980).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  115. Barberi, M. et al. Periodico Min. (Roma) 45, 129–145 (1976).

    ADS  Google Scholar 

  116. Schilling, J.-G. Nature phys. Sci. 242, 2–5 (1975).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  117. Barberi, F. et al. J. Geol. 80, 720–729 (1972).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  118. Civetta, L., LaVolpe, L. & Lirer, L. J. Volcan. Geotherm. Res. 4, 307–314 (1978).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  119. Girdler, R. W. & Styles, P. Nature 271, 615–617 (1978).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  120. Styles, P. & Hall, S. A. Atti Convegni Lincei 47, 585–606 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  121. Mohr, P. Harvard Astrophys Obs. Preprint Ser. No. 368, 1–39 (1975).

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, University College Galway, Galway, Ireland

    Paul Mohr

Authors
  1. Paul Mohr
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Mohr, P. Ethiopian flood basalt province. Nature 303, 577–584 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1038/303577a0

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/303577a0

This article is cited by

Comments

By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.

Search

Advanced search

Quick links

Nature Briefing

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Get the most important science stories of the day, free in your inbox. Sign up for Nature Briefing