Reconstruction of the geological evolution of the Southern Main Ethiopian Rift

The Main Ethiopian Rift represents a unique insight into process of continental rifting and its comprehensive research can provide partial clarification of open questions such are the causes, mechanisms, and timing of overall tectonic and magmatic evolution. The Main Ethiopian Rift is an intermediary between the Afar triple junction to the north and Kenyan Rift to the south, representing incipient plate boundary between Nubian and Somalian plates. Based on comprehensive geological research of the northern flank of the Southern Main Ethiopian Rift including field geological and structural mapping, petrological and geochemical description of individual lithologies, morphotectonic analysis of Digital Elevation Model, paleostress analysis and gravity pattern assessment including calculation of Linsser indices, some aspects in geodynamic evolution of northern flank of the Southern Main Ethiopian Rift is interpreted. The area recorded typical continental rift-related tectonic and magmatic evolution including "pre-rift" (Eocene to Oligocene) volcanic activity initiated by extensive flood (plateau) alkaline basalt to trachybasalt basalt eruptions due to crustal thinning and mantle plume(s) ascent, followed by fault-dominated "early-rift" (Miocene) bimodal volcanism associated with origin of the rift..