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Danakil Depression
The Danakil Depression is located in northeastern Ethiopia, southeastern Eritrea, and western Djibouti. It lies within the larger Afar Triangle, also known as the Afar Depression. The Danakil Depression, located in the Afar Region of Ethiopia, is about 125 meters (410 feet) below sea level. While it is one of the lowest places on Earth, it is not the deepest land depression in Africa.
Lake Assal in Djibouti holds that distinction, as it is 155 meters (509 feet) below sea level. With active volcanoes, bubbling hot springs, and temperatures reaching more then 50°C (122°F), the Danakil landscape is extremely inhospitable. Yet, the depression still manages to sustain human life in the form of the Afar people who have lived there for centuries.
Geological Features
| Feature | Description |
| Danakil Depression | One of the Lowest land depression in Africa, located in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti. Extremely hot climate. |
| Afar Triangle/Afar Depression | Low-lying region encompassing Danakil Depression. Divergence of three tectonic plates causes geological activity. |
| Erta Ale | Active shield volcano in Danakil Depression. Rare lake of lava visible in crater. |
| Dallol | Salt dome volcano with colorful mineral formations from hot springs. One of lowest volcanoes on Earth. |
| Lake Asale | Salt lake in Danakil Depression with extensive salt mining. |
| Lake Dalol | Salt lake in Danakil Depression, located 126m below sea level. Surrounded by hot springs. |
| Lake Afrera | Another salt lake in the region, 118m below sea level. Site of active salt mining. |
| Gara Winds | Hot, dry winds that blow across Danakil Depression, increasing heat stress. |
| Afar People/Culture | Indigenous ethnic group living in the harsh landscape for centuries. Semi-nomadic herders and miners. |
The Danakil Depression displays intense geological activity due to the divergence of three tectonic plates – the Nubian, Arabic, and Somali plates. As these plates pull apart, it creates seismic and volcanic activity in the depression.
The most prominent volcano is Erta Ale, a large shield volcano occupying much of the depression floor. Its crater contains a lake of hot, liquid lava that has been continuously active for at least 100 years – a very rare phenomenon.
The Dallol volcano, located in the Danakil Depression in the northern part of the Afar triangle of Ethiopia, which features colorful mounds, towers, and ponds formed by precipitation of salt, iron, sulfur and other mineral deposits from hot springs and gas vents.
The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is home to two major salt lakes, Lake Afrera (also known as Lake Afdera) and Lake Karum (also known as Lake Asale). These lakes sit over 100 meters (330 feet) below sea level and are surrounded by salt flats and hot springs. The varied volcanic landscape provides a feast for the eyes of visitors and geologists alike.
Climate Conditions
The Danakil Depression has gained notoriety for being one of the hottest places on Earth. Average annual temperatures range from 34-35°C (93-95°F), but the mercury frequently climbs as high as 50°C (122°F) during the dry season between May and September. Making matters worse are the hot, dry winds called Gara that blow through the depression. These winds intensify the feeling of oppressive heat by carrying dust and sand through the extremely arid landscape.
The combination of blazing heat, low humidity, and a lack of shade or sources of water make the climate of the Danakil Depression brutal for any living thing. Record temperatures have led to characterizations of the region as “hell on earth”. It is a true testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Afar people that they have managed to inhabit such an environment for centuries.
The Afar People
The Afar are an indigenous African population numbering over one million who have inhabited the Danakil Depression for centuries. They are nomadic peoples, migrating across the desert landscape while herding camels, goats and cattle. Many Afars also mine salt, which is abundant around saline lakes such as Lake Asale. This “white gold” is carved into blocks and transported by caravans of camels west to the city of Mekele where it is traded as currency.
Despite the extremely challenging living conditions of the desert, including temperatures over 50°C and lack of water, the Afar remain well-adapted to the environment. However, their history of conflict with outsiders over control of salt resources and trade routes means that foreigners venturing into traditional Afar lands have not always been welcome. Respect for Afar culture and customs is critical for ensuring positive relations in the region.
Tourism
The Danakil Depression has only recently begun opening up for tourism after being very remote and difficult to access for decades. Travelers venturing there need to arrange for guides, vehicles, special permissions from local authorities, and bring substantial supplies like food, water, and camping equipment to visit safely. The extreme climate also requires appropriate protective clothing and gear.
The main attractions luring tourists are the kaleidoscopic salt formations of the Dallol volcano and the rare lava lake contained within the crater of the Erta Ale volcano – one of only two volcanoes on Earth with this feature.
FAQ
What is the Danakil Depression?
The Danakil Depression is an extremely hot, low-lying land depression located in northeastern Ethiopia, southeastern Eritrea, and western Djibouti. Forming part of the larger Afar Triangle, it is one of the lowest point in Africa at 125 meters (410 feet) below sea level.
Why is Danakil Depression colorful?
The Danakil Depression features vivid and colorful geological formations due to active volcanoes and hot springs depositing salts, iron, sulfur, and other minerals on the surface. For example, the Dallol salt dome volcano has bright yellow and red mounds, towers, and ponds.
Is Danakil Depression safe?
No, the Danakil Depression is widely considered one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. Between the extreme heat, aridity, lack of infrastructure, and potential for conflict with the native Afar people, visiting carries substantial risks that require thorough preparation.
Is there life in Danakil Depression?
Yes, incredibly the Danakil Depression sustains human habitation in the form of the Afar indigenous ethnic group. Numbering over one million, the Afar are desert nomads who have managed to subsist in the harsh landscape for centuries through salt mining and pastoralism.
