Geology of Afar (East Africa)

Introduction.- Part I Afar: global context.- Global and regional geodynamic context.- Relief climate, people, languages and toponymy, exploration history.- Regional domes (Ethiopian and Kenyan) and mantle plume.- The EAR, Afar, Red Sea and Aden rifts.- Origin of mankind, origin of life.- Part II Afar geology.- Afar volcanic chronology.- Afar sedimentary units.- Sub-regional approach and geological field description.- The axial ranges.- The central volcanoes of Afar margins and transverse alignments.- Part III Crust, mantle, magmas and geodynamics.- Afar magmatic evolution: partial melting of the mantle and differentiation by crystal fractionation.- The recent/present volcano-tectonic events.- Afar in relation with the EAR (continental rift valley).- The Gulf of Tadjoura, penetration on land of the oceanic Aden ridge.- The Red Sea Link, and rotation of the Danakil block- Plate boundaries and microplates within Afar.- The Afar mantle plume, discussion.- Part IV Applied geology and socio-economic issues.- Thermal manifestations.- Geothermal potential and development perspective.- Mineral resources.- One Afar nation, 3 countries, a social and political issue.- Conclusion: emerged ocean, origin of mankind and life, sustainable future of the planet.