GST AND GOETHE UNIVERSITY CONDUCT RESEARCH AT MOUNT OLDOINYO LENGAI.




Arusha

The Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), in collaboration with geoscientists from Goethe University in Germany, has conducted geoscientific research at Mount Oldoinyo Lengai.

Explaining the research, the Director of Geological Services at GST, Dr. Ronald Massawe, stated that Mount Oldoinyo Lengai is one of the active volcanic mountains in Tanzania and the only volcano in the world that produces natrocarbonatite lava. When this type of lava cools and turns into dust, it can pose health risks to both humans and animals when inhaled.

Dr. Massawe elaborated that the research has three main objectives: to study the internal structure of the volcano, identify the magma reservoir zones and their pathways, and analyze the changes in rock layers within the Lake Natron Rift Zone.

Another key goal is to build the capacity of local experts in Tanzania by strengthening human resources in geoscientific research, particularly in geological natural disaster studies. The third goal is to enhance collaboration with various national and international institutions in conducting geoscientific research.

Dr. Massawe further explained that, in this phase, a total of 32 seismic monitoring stations have been installed around the mountain. These stations are arranged in a north-west/south-east alignment passing through the mountain’s summit, which stands approximately 2,962 meters above sea level.

In addition to this alignment, some instruments have been positioned along the mountain’s flanks and slopes.

According to Dr. Massawe, this network of instruments will record seismic activity caused by natural geological processes within the Rift Valley zone as well as tremors resulting from volcanic activity.

Highlighting the benefits of this research, Dr. Massawe noted that the data collected will enhance scientific understanding of the internal structure of Mount Oldoinyo Lengai’s volcano, improve knowledge on geological hazards, and strengthen the Government’s capacity to respond to natural disasters in the Lake Natron region.

Regarding the mountain’s eruption history, Dr. Massawe said that the last eruption occurred between July 2007 and 2008, during which ash was ejected and spread up to 10 kilometers away.

The impacts of that eruption included animal deaths, environmental degradation such as destruction of grazing areas, and eye irritation among residents living up to 70 kilometers from the mountain.

For many years, GST has been conducting various studies related to natural geological hazards such as landslides, earthquakes, ground fissures, and subsidence, in collaboration with both local and international institutions.

The research team included Dr. Ronald Massawe and Gabriel Mbogoni from GST, along with Prof. Georg Rumpker, Dr. Ayoub Kaviani, Christoph Locker, and Ms. Kamila Diaz from Goethe University.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Muslim Hassanali Returns to Politics, Seeks CCM Nomination for Kinondoni Parliamentary Seat.

Image
Muslim Hassanali, who previously contested for the Ilala constituency parliamentary seat in 2015 under the opposition party CHADEMA, has resurfaced in the political arena—this time collecting a nomination form to run for Member of Parliament in Kinondoni under the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). Hassanali, who later officially joined CCM, now joins a growing list of party members who have declared their intentions and collected nomination forms to seek the party’s endorsement ahead of the upcoming general elections. The process of collecting and returning nomination forms within CCM officially began on June 28, 2025, and is expected to conclude by July 2, 2025. Hassanali’s move signals a potentially competitive race within the party as aspirants vie for various leadership positions.
Read more

EAC Countries Unite to Boost Cross-Border Agroecological Trade: Seven Key Resolutions Adopted in Jinja Conference

Image
By Our Reporter Participants of the Regional Conference on Enhancing Cross-Border Trade in Agroecological Produce within the East African Community (EAC) have issued seven resolutions aimed at boosting this crucial sector for the economies of member states. The week-long conference, held in Jinja, Uganda, brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, farmers, researchers, and journalists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, and the DRC. Reading the conference resolutions, the General Coordinator of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), Dr. Million Belay, said that about 100 people met and discussed ways to collaborate and advance the vision of agroecological trade within the EAC. “We agreed that every stakeholder should fulfill their responsibilities to ensure accelerated regional economic growth through agroecology. We are calling on governments and all stakeholders to fully implement commitments to eliminate non-tariff ba...
Read more

*Government Launches 15274 Hotline to Ease Access to National ID Information

Image
Dar es Salaam: The Government has urged citizens to use their mobile phones by dialing *15274 to easily access information related to National Identification Cards (NIDA). Speaking today, December 29, 2025, the Minister for Home Affairs, George Simbachawene, said the service will enable citizens to check the status of their National ID cards, including whether the card has been produced or not, with feedback provided within five days. He explained that through this number, citizens will receive important information regarding their National IDs, adding that damaged ID cards are expected to be replaced starting February 2026. “By using this number, you will be able to get information on whether your ID card has been produced. I emphasize that damaged ID cards will be issued in February 2026,” said Minister Simbachawene. The Minister further noted that the Government has put in place a strategy to introduce the use of a single identification card for accessing various government services...
Read more