Erta Ale Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Erta Ale
Erta Ale in 2011
Highest point
Elevation	613 m (2,011 ft)
Listing	List of volcanoes in Ethiopia
Geography
Erta Ale Location in Ethiopia
Parent range	Erta Ale Range
Geology
Mountain type	Shield volcano
Last eruption	2005 to 2019 (Ongoing)

Erta Ale is a fascinating volcano in Ethiopia, Africa. It stands about 613 metres (2,011 ft) tall. Its name means Smoking Mountain in the local Afar language. This name perfectly describes it, as Erta Ale is one of the most active volcanoes on the entire African continent. It is famous for having one of the longest-existing lava lakes in the world.

Erta Ale: Africa's Smoking Mountain
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Erta Ale: Africa's Smoking Mountain

Erta Ale is a special type of volcano called a shield volcano. Imagine a warrior's shield lying on the ground – that's what a shield volcano looks like. They have wide, gently sloping sides. This shape is created by very fluid (runny) lava that flows easily over long distances. Erta Ale is always active, meaning it's constantly bubbling and sometimes erupting.

Where is Erta Ale Located?

This amazing volcano is found in the Afar Depression in Ethiopia. This area is part of the Great Rift Valley, a huge crack in the Earth's surface. The Afar Depression is one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. It's a very dry and harsh desert environment. Because of this, reaching Erta Ale can be quite an adventure! The volcano is part of a larger chain of volcanoes called the Erta Ale Range.

The Amazing Lava Lake

What makes Erta Ale truly unique is its persistent lava lake. This means there's a pool of molten rock (lava) that stays liquid and visible in its caldera (a large crater) for many years. Most volcanoes only have lava lakes for short periods during eruptions. Erta Ale's main crater is about 100 metres (330 ft) wide. Inside, you can often see the glowing, bubbling lava. It's like looking into the Earth's fiery heart! The surface of the lake often forms a thin crust that breaks apart, revealing the bright orange and red lava underneath.

How Active is Erta Ale?

Erta Ale has been continuously active for a very long time. Its lava lake has been observed for decades. While the lava lake is usually contained within the crater, the volcano also has periods of larger eruptions. For example, between 2005 and 2019, it had ongoing activity. This included lava flows that sometimes spilled over the crater rim. Scientists closely watch Erta Ale to understand how these long-lived lava lakes work and to predict any larger eruptions.

Exploring the Volcano

Visiting Erta Ale is an incredible experience, but it's also very challenging. The area is extremely hot, and the journey involves traveling through rough desert terrain. Tourists and scientists often visit at night when the temperatures are cooler. This also allows them to see the glowing lava lake more clearly against the dark sky. Local guides from the Afar people help visitors navigate the difficult landscape and ensure their safety. The dry lava fields around the summit show how the volcano has changed over time.

Why is Erta Ale Important?

Erta Ale is important for several reasons. For scientists, it's a natural laboratory. Studying its persistent lava lake helps them learn more about how volcanoes work and how the Earth's crust moves. It also gives clues about what might be happening deep inside our planet. For Ethiopia, Erta Ale is a significant natural landmark and a unique tourist attraction. It draws adventurers and geologists from all over the world, even with its challenging conditions.