Alien Planet: Dallol volcano

• Alien Planet: Dallol volcano

This place is reminiscent of an alien planet and its extraterrestrial landscapes more similar to the surface of Io, a satellite of the planet Jupiter. But no, we are on the Earth, in East Africa.

This is the lowest volcano in the world, located at an altitude of 48 meters below sea level, which was formed on more than 900 million years ago. Name it - Dallol.

The volcano Dallol - a volcanic crater in the Danakil Depression, Ethiopia. (Photo by Francisco Pandolfo):

Its composition: lava of sulfur and andesite. (Photo by Francisco Pandolfo):

In 1926, when a strong explosion formed a large lake located at an altitude of 48 meters below sea level. Lake Painting of purple and yellow. (Photo by Francisco Pandolfo):

Due to the large amount of minerals and heavy elements in the soil, Dallol volcano produces bright "puddles" incredible shades at the top of its caldera. This place looks like an alien planet. (Photo by Francisco Pandolfo):

The average annual temperature in the area is also unique. In the 60s XX century it was 34 ° C, and still is the maximum average temperature. So this place - one of the hottest on the planet. (Photo by Francisco Pandolfo):

Last eruption Dallol volcano was observed in 1926. (Photo by Francisco Pandolfo):

The diameter of the crater of the volcano - 1450 meters. (Photo by Francisco Pandolfo):

Next to the crater of the volcano of the same name is the African village of Dallol. According to the Central Statistics Agency of Ethiopia, in 2005, the settlement was uninhabited. (Photo by Francisco Pandolfo):

In the region there are no roads, communication with the region through the caravan routes there, sent for collection and delivery of salt. This is one of the most remote from civilization places on Earth, so not everyone is decided on a dangerous adventure. (Photo by Francisco Pandolfo):