Look at these amazing landscapes! Where do you think these landscapes are located? These are not shots from a distant planet, not stills from a feature film, and not photoshopped. So, meet Dallol in Ethiopia — the most amazing and unusual volcano on Earth.
It is located in the northeast of Ethiopia, in the Afar region, namely in the Danakil depression, 48 meters below sea level. The Dallol volcano is surrounded by natural sulfur hills that reach a height of 60 meters. Look at this ethereal color palette! White, yellow, turquoise and red colors are the result of coloring with various potassium salt ions. The fact is that Dallol fell silent after the eruption and explosion in 1926, and a solid lake of acid formed in the crater of the volcano. The constant release of gas gives this place a mystical atmosphere, reminiscent of the breathing of space monsters. With such a palette of colors, Dallol deservedly enters the list of the brightest places on the planet.
Locals give this volcanic crater even more mystery. They tell legends that Dallol is the gateway to hell. Allegedly, the wrath of God throws all unbelievers and sinners into this abyss, which swallows them up. This is not hard to believe when you know that the average average temperature is close to 40 degrees Celsius and the summer temperature never drops below 45 degrees. Local settlers are considered the keepers of the volcano. They are said to be very aggressive about anyone who intrudes into their lives, and can be extremely cruel in this.
Scientists explain the unique shape of the Dallol volcano by the eruption of basaltic magma directly under the body of the volcano. Its perimeter is about 1.5 x 3 km. The volcano is located on top of a large layer of millennial deposits. The area is rich in deposits of potassium salts. Mineral springs erupt approximately 1,000 tons of salt per year. Camel caravans systematically transport carved rectangular slabs of the earth’s crust for further processing.
Tourists are also forced to travel to the Dallol volcano by caravan — there is simply no other option. However, you should not forget that this place is a rather dangerous attraction. The surroundings of the volcano are uninhabited — this is the most distant place from any civilization.
