This desolate, desert region is the home of the Danakil Depression, a place that seems more alien than Earth-like. It’s the hottest place on Earth and during the summer months, temperatures can get up to a high of 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees Fahrenheit) thanks to geothermal heat caused by volcanic activity.
Why is the Danakil Depression famous?
A geological depression caused by the continental drift of three tectonic plates, the Danakil Depression is one of Earth’s most unusual environments. Renowned as the ‘hottest place on the planet’ and home to salt lakes, lava lakes, volcanoes, and colourful acidic springs – it’s a wonderful, alien environment.
How would you describe the Danakil plain in Ethiopia?
Denakil Plain, also spelled Danakil, also called Dankali, arid lowland of northern Ethiopia and southeastern Eritrea, bordering Djibouti. It lies at the northern extreme of the Great Rift Valley and the Awash River. … Any water that comes into the plain evaporates there; no streams flow out from it.
Does anyone live in the Danakil Depression?
To top it all off, it is also home to a volcano with one of the largest, open pits of exposed magma in the world. Despite all of this, however, people live in the Danakil Depression and manage to eek out of living in one of the most inhospitable places on the planet Earth.
Can you swim in Danakil Depression?
Bridget said: ‘The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest and lowest locations on the planet. ‘The pool was 127 metres below sea level and was very, very salty. ‘The area is also dangerous due to bandits from Eritrea. ‘
Is Danakil safe?
Safety in the Danakil
I won’t deny it: the Danakil isn’t exactly the safest place on Earth. The region of Afar, where the Danakil is located, is tense.
Where on Earth is there a lake of acid?
The turquoise lake in the crater of the Kawah Ijen volcano looks serene and inviting. It also happens to be the world’s largest acidic lake. The water in the crater lake has a pH less than 0.3 on a scale of 0 to 14 (7 is neutral).
Why is Danakil green?
The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is scorchingly hot and one of the most alien places on Earth. The vibrant colours are a result of rain and seawater from the nearby coast being heated by magma and rising up. The salt from the seawater reacts with the volcanic minerals in the magma, creating dazzling colours.
What is the desert in Danakil eastern Africa made of?
The salt flats in the Danakil depression, along the borderline between Ethiopia and Eritrea, are located 100 meters below sea level. This huge salt crust, often up to 1.000 meters thick, goes deep in the earth’s crust. It’s here the salt miners break plates of salt out of the ground.
Is Danakil Alps a block mountain?
Examples of block mountains in Africa are; Pare and Usambara mountains in Tanzania, Ruwenzori mountains found at the border of Uganda and DR Congo, Danakil Alps of Ethiopia, Mau Ranges and the Aberdare Ranges of Kenya. Ruwenzori Mountain is the highest block mountain in Africa.
Why is Danakil depressed in news?
Why in News
The two barriers to the survival of life in the Danakil region are: Magnesium-dominated brines that cause cells to break down. An environment having simultaneously very low pH and high salt, a combination that makes adaptation highly difficult.
What country is the Namib Desert in?
Africa: Namibia. This extremely arid ecoregion comprises shifting sand dunes, gravel plains and rugged mountains. The world’s oldest desert, the Namib Desert has existed for at least 55 million years, completely devoid of surface water but bisected by several dry riverbeds.
Which is the hottest desert in the world?
Seven years of satellite temperature data show that the Lut Desert in Iran is the hottest spot on Earth. The Lut Desert was hottest during 5 of the 7 years, and had the highest temperature overall: 70.7°C (159.3°F) in 2005.
Is Danakil Depression in Tigray?
Arriving at the Danakil Depression
Located in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, Mekele serves as the starting point for travel into the Afar region in the remote northeast. Here, close to the Eritrean border, lies the harsh, otherworldly desert plain known as the Danakil Depression.
Where is the most acidic place on earth?
The Dallol geothermal area (14°14′21″N; 40°17′55″E) in Ethiopia is hell on Earth. The boiling water of the hot spring is three times saltier than the ocean, contaminated with heavy metals, and has a pH of zero. It’s ten times more acidic than battery acid.
What is the hottest place in Ethiopia?
The Danakil Depression, in the northeastern corner of Ethiopia, has the distinction of being the hottest place on earth, with recorded temperatures of 125 degrees. It’s sometimes called “the gateway to Hell.” The lava lake in the Erta Ale volcano is one of only 4 living lava lakes in the world.
How hot is Danakil Depression?
It’s blistering hot. Daily temperatures are around 94 F (34.4 C), but can reach as high as 122 F (50 C), and rainfall is scarce.
Why do scientists want to study life in the Danakil Depression?
Now, scientists are studying this area to understand the possibilities of life on other planets and moons, despite the region’s political volatility and sporadic violence between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
How do I get to Danakil Depression?
The Danakil Depression is a sprawling desert found in the Afar region of northern Ethiopia, close to the country’s border with Eritrea. The best way to get to the Danakil Depression is via a domestic flight into the nearby town of Mekele, followed by a 3-4 hour drive into the desert.
What makes dallol Ethiopia so lifeless?
After some time, inactive springs oxidize and become brown just like metal rusts in the rain. The process repeats for years, drenching an otherwise lifeless area in incredibly vibrant tones. Sulphur and solidified black lava engulf some springs; vibrant cyan pools hide poisonous waters.
Where is the lowest place in Ethiopia?
Ras Dejen, Semien Mountains, in the Amhara Region 4,550 m (14,928 ft) Lowest point: Afar Depression, in the Afar Region −125 m (−410 ft)