The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia has erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending ash and gas plumes across parts of the Middle East and prompting flight disruptions and public advisories across several countries. The eruption, recorded on November 24, released large volumes of sulphur dioxide that spread across the Arabian Peninsula, raising questions about possible atmospheric and environmental effects.
Satellite imagery shared by Shawkat Odeh of the International Astronomical Centre showed clear sulphur dioxide concentrations drifting across regional airspace in the days following the eruption. Ibrahim Al Jarwan of the Emirates Astronomical Society said the gas could react with moisture in the air, potentially producing light acid rain in isolated parts of Oman and Yemen.
Authorities in Oman said on Sunday that no adverse impact has been recorded so far. The Environment Authority confirmed that air quality monitoring stations across the Sultanate have not detected any increase in harmful pollutants tied to the eruption, and public health remains unaffected.
The incident has renewed public interest in acid rain and its causes. The term refers to precipitation containing acidic components and is not limited to rainfall alone. Snow, fog, hail and even airborne dust can carry acidity when exposed to the right chemical conditions.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, acid rain forms through a multi-stage process. Pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are first released into the atmosphere. Winds can transport these gases across long distances before they undergo chemical reactions with oxygen, water vapor and other atmospheric elements. These interactions produce sulfuric and nitric acids, which mix with moisture before falling back to the ground.
Scientists say the effects can be wide-ranging. Acidic precipitation can flow into rivers, streams and lakes, where it may generate aluminum as it interacts with local ecosystems. Elevated acidity weakens aquatic life, particularly fish species and plants that cannot survive in lower pH environments.
Forests can also experience long-term damage. Acidic fog and rainfall may strip nutrients from tree leaves and needles at higher elevations, reducing their ability to absorb sunlight and weakening their resilience against disease and extreme weather.
While experts note that the current levels of sulphur dioxide drifting over the Middle East are unlikely to cause significant or lasting harm, the event has highlighted how distant volcanic activity can influence regional atmospheric conditions. Health specialists say that in more concentrated episodes, inhaling acidic particles can irritate the eyes and respiratory system, reduce lung function and cause breathing discomfort.
Officials across the UAE, Oman and other regional states say they will continue monitoring air quality as the volcanic plume disperses, though for now the situation remains stable.
