Oldoinyo Lengai:the complex interplay of volcanic and tectonic activity

© Frederick Belton

Background

• Earth’s only active carbonatite volcano

• Part of the East African Rift System

USGS

Background

• Stratovolcano

– First active in 1883; erupted ~10 times in 20th C.

– Lavas and pyroclastic rocks; sector collapse

Wiki

Background

• Previous Work

– Initial mapping by Barry Dawson (1960s)

– Re-survey by USGS (2010 onwards)

– Mineralogy and geochemistry

Barry Dawson

Why should we care?

• Unique setting

– Accessible volcano

growing in active rift zone

– Lake Natron Basin

– Active volcano-tectonic

faults

UNDERSTAND DEVELOPMENT

OF RIFT VOLCANOES

HAZARD MITIGATION

USGS

Why should we care?

• Unique opportunity

– Limited field studies

– Limited knowledge of

volcanology

– Out of date?

UNDERSTAND VOLCANOLOGY

OF CARBONATITE VOLCANOES

HAZARD MITIGATION

Dawson (1962) in USGS

Methods

• Volcanology

– Geological mapping,

detailed logging,

sampling

– Constructing isopach

and isopleth maps

– ERUPTION MODELS

– HAZARD MAPS

Barry Dawson

Methods

• Structural Geology

– Identify faults, measure

thickness of fault cores,

offsets, striations etc.

– Interaction of volcanic

rocks with faults

– FAULT KINEMATICS

– VOLCANO-TECTONIC

MODELS

USGS

Benefits

• Visit one of the world’s most iconic volcanoes

• Be involved in current, relevant research

• Work with local geologists and community

Tom Pfeiffer

Collaboration

• Expedition in partnership with Dodoma University, Tanzania

• Glasgow University students will be matched by students from Dodoma

What to expect…

• Camping (at campsite with full facilities)

• Campsite has restaurant. Full board (packed lunches)

• Local drivers

• Physically demanding

Expedition Itinerary

Preliminary dates = 8th-28th June 2015

Day 1 – Travel to DodomaDay 2 – Team building dayDays 3 & 4 – Recce and climb to summitDays 5 – 19 – FieldworkDay 20 – Return to Dodoma, farewell dinnerDay 21 – Travel back to UK

Costs

Preliminary budget = ~£1300 per person

Lots of bursaries and grants to apply toFundraising

Personal contribution ~£500 (hopefully less)

Preparation

• There will be opportunities to learn and practice the required field skills.

• The work will be physically demanding so participation on this trip requires good fitness levels.

Independent Travel

Option to fly out earlier &/or return later to allow for some independent travel within Tanzania, and the rest of Africa

Next steps…

• Complete application form and return to Gregory Building office by 10 am on Thurs 16th

October 2014

• Interviews week commencing 20th Oct

• Team confirmed by Friday 24th Oct

• Week commencing 27th Oct = first team meeting – COMPULSORY