Erta Ale Volcano


Erta Ale volcano, located in the similarly named range in the hostile Danakil depression in NE Ethiopia, is a basaltic shield volcano known for persistent lava lake activity since early in the 20th century. Whilst only 613m high, the volcano has a base with a diammeter of nearly 30km. The summit caldera contains two large steep-sided pit craters, the N and S (or "central") pit craters, and one smaller pit at the south-east side of the N pit. The caldera appears to have been formed by 3 overlapping circular collapse structures and has approximate dimensions of 1600 x 700m.


Erta Ale Shield Volcano Aerial View Erta Ale Shield Volcano Pit Craters Aerial View

Aerial view of Erta Ale summit caldera from S during February 2002 overflight. The active pit crater is in the center of the picture.

Aerial view of Erta Ale summit caldera from E during February 2002 overflight. The large inactive pit and adjacent fumarole field are clearly visible.


The first detailed study of Erta Ale in 1971 revealed active lava lakes in both pit craters. Between 1972 and 1974, lava was regularly reported to be overflowing the S crater, eventually covering much of the southern flank of the caldera. Overflows and active hornitos on the rim of the N crater were also noted. Between 1975 and 1986, political instability prevented field studies, but satellite monitoring showed no significant activity outside of the summit craters. In 1987, both lava lakes were still present, yet by 1992, the lava lake in the N pit crater had disappeared. Since the 1990s, observations of Erta Ale have become more regular, with film teams and increasing numbers of tourists visiting the area in recent years. An active convecting lava lake has been present in the S crater for much of this period. Solidification of the surface and formation of hornitos on the crater floor has also been reported. In September 2005, local people reported unusual glowing above the crater. A subsequent survey of the area revealed morphological changes in both craters with a lava bulge in the N crater and a new cone with an active lake within the S crater. The exact sequence of events is however not documented. In November 2010, following a period in which the lava lake level had been steadily rising, several short lava flows were emitted from the crater and a cone was built up around the lake due to repeated overflow episodes. By the end of January, 2011, a small lake could be observed about 10m below the level of the crater floor. The cones southern flank had failed by this time (see images below).


Erta Ale Shield Volcano Pit Crater Erta Ale Lava Lake Fountains

Active pit crater viewed from nearby large hornito. Crater diammeter is approx. 130m. Feb. 2002

Evening view of pit crater from hornito in 2008. Note: left hand corner has widened.


Erta Ale Lava Lake Fountains Erta Ale Lava Lake Fountains

Erta Ale lava lake, 2002. Lake is in deep pit.

Erta Ale lava lake, 2008. Note: lake size is as in 2002 but crater floor/lake are higher.


Erta Ale Volcano North crater Erta Ale Volcano North crater

N crater. Intensely degassing hornitos on left. (2008)

Partially collapsed E rim of N crater. 1970s hornito on horizon. (2008)


Lava lakes as seen at Erta Ale or previously at e.g. Kilauea volcano represent the exposed upper surfaces of convecting magma columns. Magma circulation must be maintained between magma chamber and the entire magma column so that heat loss does not lead to solidification of the surface of the lake. Indeed, any heat lost at the surface must be balanced by cooling and crystallization in the magma chamber. Carbon dioxide levels in the magma suggest that it on remains in the convecting system for about 10 years which means that the longevity of the lava lake is partially accounted for by constant introduction of fresh gas-rich magma from the mantle into the system. However, Erta Ale has been calculated to have a surface eruption rate of only 10kg/sec which is far too low to counterbalance the 100-400 Megawatts of energy lost from the lava lake and certainly does not correspond to the assumed rate of injection of fresh magma into the system. Oppenheimer and Francis (J. Volc. Geotherm. Res. 80, p.101-110 (1998)) considered this issue in detail and concluded that whilst only little lava is erupted at the surface, at least 10-fold more may be erupted into faults and cavities beneath the base of the volcano.


Erta Ale lava lake convection animation

Animation of lake surface during slow convection phase. Speeded up 40x.


Several groups have studied temperature, surface movement (which is correlated to convection levels) and seismic activity associated with the lava lake. Two papers analyse data collected during the Febr. 2002 expedition, during which some of the photographs on this page were taken (J. Volc. Geotherm. Res. 142, p.207-223 (2005); J. Volc. Geotherm. Res. 153, p.64-79 (2006)). The following information is assembled from these papers and their subreferences.


In 2002, the lava lake was observed to be switching between low and high convection phases. During low convection phases, the crust was observed to move less than 10cm/sec, whilst during high convection phases, movement of 10-40cm/sec was recorded. Low convection phases typically lated for 1-10 hours, with high convection phases were usually between 1 and 3 hours long. It has been proposed that during the low phases the surface of the lake cools and degasses, thus becoming increasingly dense. This dense surface region traps gases in the conduit leading to slight pressurization. The buildup of gases is thought to account for the low frequency tremor whose source was localized to an area in the conduit 300-350m below the lake surface. At the end of each low convection phase the system becomes unstable and convective overturn occurs. During the high convection phases the crust cracks and the denser magma at the lake surface which includes the crust sinks whilst hotter gas-rich magma rises to the surface. A higher frequency tremor becomes superimposed on the low frequency tremor during these phases. This has been explained as the result of cracking of the lava lake crust and bubble bursting at the lava lake surface as increased degassing is able to take place.


Erta Ale Lava Lake sinking crust Erta Ale Lava Lake Fountains

Broken crust sinking into lava lake.

Bubbles of gas released at the lake surface cause fountaining.


The surface of the lake does not convect uniformly during high convection periods. Lava rises to the surface in certain parts of the lake, whilst it sinks in other parts. Fountaining is often observed at zones where hot gas-rich magma reaches the surface, whilst smaller fountains may be observed where sections of crust are drawn downwards. The fountains can often be observed moving across the surface of the lake since the zones of upwelling or sinking are not at fixed locations within the lake. Observed fountain heights were approx. 2-4 meters in February 2002 with up to 3 fountains being seen simultaneously. Interestingly, violent fountaining was observed several seconds after a large box of refuse was thrown into the lake. This can be attributed to gas released by the garbage as it was rapidly heated.


Erta Ale Lava Lake Fountain Erta Ale Lava Lake Fountain Erta Ale Lava Lake Fountain

Lava fountains

Erta Ale Lava Lake Fountains Erta Ale Lava Lake Fountains


The surface of the lake thickens during phases of low convection. After 7 min the crust (defined by region having temperature below 1070'C) can be calculated as being 2.5cm thick, whilst after 70 min a thickness of about 8.5cm is attained. The surface of the lake may have a temperature of as low as 200'C during periods of low convection (compared to lake temperature exceeding 1100'C) which demonstrates the insulating properties of a lava crust. When the crust is thick, heat loss may not significantly exceed that of a hot (water) crater lake and small objects (such as oranges) thrown onto the lake surface are no longer able to penetrate it.


In Febr. 2008, a second visit to Erta Ale revealed a similarly sized lake as in 2002, yet the morphology of the S crater had changed somewhat. Further, several hornitos could be observed on the floor of the N crater, at least one of which was visibly incandescent inside. The lake was found in the same part of the S crater as before yet both the crater terrace and the lake were higher than in 2002. Further, the active part of the lake had what appeared to be a stable thick "crust collar" surrounding it. Whilst no scientific data was collected during this visit, the level of the whole lake could be observed to rise and fall slightly, the former resulting in periods during which significant amounts of lava flowed out of the lake onto the collar surrounding it. A particularly strong overflow episode eventually caused subsidence of parts of the collar into the lake, demonstrating that it merely represented a somewhat thicker crust which had formed peripherally to the more actively convecting central part of the lake. These episodes of rising and falling lake levels are documented in detail below.



RISING LAKE LEVELS:

Erta Ale Lava Lake Overflowing Erta Ale Lava Lake Fountains

Lake crust is lifted and lava flows over rim from underneath as lava levels rise.

Small pahoehoe flows form from lake overflows.


Erta Ale lava lake overflowing erupting Overflow Erta Ale Lava Lake Erta Ale Lava Lake

Intense lake overflow episode eventually covering whole "collar" around lake.

Lava flowing out from under thin crust.

Fresh lava covering whole of crater floor after major lake overflow.


Animation erta ale lava lake overflow Erta Ale lava lake overflow closeup Animation erta ale lava lake overflow

Overflow animation (approx. 2x normal speed)

Crust folds as leaves lake and slows down.

Overflow animation (approx. 2x normal speed)



FALLING LAKE LEVELS:


Erta Ale volcano central south crater lava lake Lava draining back into Erta Ale Lake after overflow Erta Ale Lava Lake Sinking Level

Glowing sides of lake become visible when lava levels fall.

Lava draining back into the lake after a period of overflow was followed by a rapid fall in lake level.

Lava lake in turmoil as level rapidly falls.


Violent lava fountain. Erta Ale Volcano lava lake. Lava Fountain Erta Ale Volcano Lava Lake Lava Fountain Erta Ale Volcano Lava Lake

Violent lava fountaining accompanying falling lake levels.

Violent lava fountaining accompanying falling lake levels.

Violent lava fountaining accompanying falling lake levels.

_____



Fountaining was generally much less frequent than in 2002, except for a single location at the W perimeter of the lake which showed almost constant fountaining although with varying intensity. Also, sudden crust overturning was regularly observed (on average about every 30min) at a site at the S border of the lake. Fountaining at other sites was usually associated with phases of lake level fluctuation. The most violent fountaining was actually observed in association with dropping lake levels.


Erta Ale Lava Lake Site of persistent Fountains 2007 Erta Ale Lava Lake Crust bursting open lava fountain

Site of almost constant fountaining at W side of lake, Feb. 2008.

Crust overturning at S side of lake, Feb. 2008.


As in 2002, many active fumaroles could be found at the S end of the N crater aswell as along the N and NW rim. One of the two prominent hornitos on the N rim was also degassing and small sulphur deposits in stalagtite form could be observed.


Erta Ale Fumaroles N crater rim Erta Ale Fumarolic Sulphur deposits Erta Ale Fumarolic Sulphur deposits Stalagtite

Fumarole at S rim of N crater, Feb. 2008

Fumarolic deposit W of N crater.

Sulphur stalagtites in fumarole on N rim of caldera


Much of the caldera floor around the S crater was coated in Pelees hairs resulting from the frequent lava fountaining activity and the formation of Pelees hairs was able to be documented. During fountaining, as the lava fragments are thrust apart, sections of lava still connecting the pieces can be drawn out into long threads which are then carried out of the crater by the current of hot air rising above active parts of the lake. Small lapilli were also found near the crater rim with a max. length of about 2cm. The age of these is unknown yet they could result from the apparent heightened activity in September 2005.


Erta Ale Lava Lake Fountains Erta Ale Lava Lake Fountains Pelees hair

Lava fountain producing Pelee's hair

Detail from picture on left. Formation of Pelee's hair can be seen.


Erta Ale Lava Lake Pelees hair deposits Erta Ale Peles hair

Reddish Pelee's hair scattered around Erta Ale lava lake.

Reddish Pelee's hairs near Erta Ale lava lake.


Erta Ale volcano Pelees hair Sulphur crystals on pelees hair erta ale Pelees hair coated in sulphur crystals at Erta Ale volcano

Pelee's hairs near Erta Ale lava lake.

Sulphur crystals on Pelee's hair.

Pelee's hair coated in sulphur crystals by fumarolic activity.


Changes in Crater Morphology Following November 2010 Overflows


Overflows of Erta Ale's south lava lake were reported in late November 2010, and followed a period of steadily rising lake levels. The crater was visited by the author in late January 2011 and the photos below document the morphology of the crater at this time.

Erta Ale Volcano 2010 lava flows Erta Ale Volcano 2010 lava flows

Extent of Nov. 2010 lava flows viewed from SW of crater on rim

Lava flows from eruptive phases can be distinguished by colour. 2010 flows are darkest


Erta Ale Volcano 2011 South Crater Cone Erta Ale Volcano 2011 Lava Lake

S side of 2010 cone surrounding lake has collapsed - view from summit hornito

Lava lake in small pit (Jan. 2011)


Erta Ale Volcano 2010 lava flows Erta Ale Volcano Lava Lake Night Incandescence 2011

2010 lava flows with cone in background

Incandescence of lava lake at dusk


Erta Ale Volcano South Crater 2011 Erta Ale Volcano South Crater 2011

View of filled S crater from E rim, summit hornito at far left

View of filled S crater from E rim


Erta Ale Volcano South Crater 2011 Erta Ale Volcano South Crater and summit hornito 2011

E rim of S crater

Summit hornito with remains of 2010 cone at top left


Erta Ale Volcano 2010 lava flows Erta Ale Volcano 2010 lava flows Erta Ale Volcano 2010 lava flows

Recent lava flows were fast-flowing in places

Glass fibres are clearly visible in flows

Lava flow with summit hornito behnind


Erta Ale Volcano 2010 eruption Pelee's hair Erta Ale Volcano 2010 eruption Pelee's hair

Extremely fine Pelee's hair near lake on bed of recently erupted lapilli

Classic (stiffer) Pelee's hair is found in large amounts N of lake


Erta Ale Pelees hair 2010 Erta Ale Pelees hair 2010

Large amounts of Pelee's hair around 2010 cone

Classic Pelee's hair


The morphology of the N crater has also changed slightly since 2008, with a vent in the center of the crater topping a gently sloping lava mound. Incandescence could be observed at the vent after sunset.


Erta Ale Volcano North Crater 2011 Erta Ale Volcano North Crater glowing vent 2011

Floor of N crater viewed from S, Jan. 2011

N crater vent showing incandescence, Jan. 2011


Erta Ale Volcano North Crater Rim 2011 Erta Ale Volcano North Crater 2011

W rim with N crater at top left (Jan. 2011)

N crater viewed from S (Jan. 2011)


Given the low level of activity of the lake, the author walked to the south end of the caldera to document the morphology of Erta Ale in this rarely visited area. South of Erta Ale further walls of ancient calderas can be seen, with a further shield volcano, Hayli Gubbi being visible in the distance. This has a similar morphology to Erta Ale except for the large cinder cone found at its summit.


South part of Erta Ale caldera South part of Erta Ale caldera

Gently sloping southern part of caldera

Looking upwards from S end of caldera


South end of Erta Ale Caldera South end of Erta Ale Caldera

Old lava flows at south end of Erta Ale caldera, wall of further caldera in distance

View across south end of Erta Ale caldera from west flank


South end of Erta Ale Caldera South end of Erta Ale Caldera, Hayli Gubbi volcano

Old lava flows at south end of Erta Ale caldera, Hayli Gubbi volcano behind

Heavily weathered cone at S end of W flank, Hayli Gubbi volcano in background


Tourism at Erta Ale


Tourism to the area has increased significantly in recent years. Visitors were arriving nearly daily during the Febr. 2008 visit and large groups were encountered every day in 2011. This is in stark contrast to the situation in 2002, when the area was effectively only accessible by helicopter. It is presently (2011) possible to drive with 4WD vehicles to within 7km W of the summit of the Erta Ale. The summit can then be reached on foot in less than 3 hours. Local Afar tribesmen organize transport of material or even tourists using camels. Numerous tour operators can organize travel into the area, often combining visits to Erta Ale with visits to the colourful hot springs at Dallol Volcano. By early 2011, numerous simple stone-walled huts had been erected on the W rim of Erta Ale. Similarly, huts had been built at the parking area. The volume of tourists was apparently continuously increasing.

Following the fatal attack by ARDUF (Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front) militia in the early hours of 17.01.2012, this is likely to change. It appears that a group of tourists and a group of hungarian scientists were sleeping in the crater rim camp when they were attacked. Sadly, three tourists and two scientists were shot, and a number of further people were injured. Two german tourists and accompanying ethiopians were abducted. The attack appears aimed at disrupting the Ethiopian tourist industry in response to perceived political marginalisation and economic exploitation of the Afar region. The nomadic Afar peoples have long being striving for more independence in the region. According to eyewitness accounts, no attempt was made to rob the victims and several were "executed" after coming out of their huts and being lined up by the attackers (www.taz.de/!86067/).


Erta Ale Volcano parking lot Erta Ale volcano buildings on rim

Parking lot with Erta Ale in background

Stone-walled buildings on the W rim of Erta Ale



Further Photos


Erta Ale Lava Lake overflow Erta Ale Lava Lake Fountains

Photovolcanica Full Index