Erta ale and the danakil rift zone

Abstract

Ethiopia may not be the first country to come to mind when considering where to find active volcanoes to visit. Located on the horn of Africa, at the southeastern margin of the Sahara Desert, Ethiopia is better known for its archeological and historical tourism, as well as its struggles with famine and concerns with neighbors South Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea. However, one of the rare treasures of active volcanoes, a roiling and churning lake of lava (Fig. 23.1), resides within Ethiopia’s borders and draws volcanologists and adventurers from around the world to its edge. Aside from the volcano, the Dallol geothermal region is one of the most wonderfully colorful and photogenic volcanic landscapes in the world, still largely unknown, though at risk of having its fragile environment damaged by unprotected tourism.