Elevation −48 m (−157 ft) Mountain type Explosion craters | Location Ethiopia Last eruption 1926 | |
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Parent ranges Afar Triangle, Erta Ale Range Similar Danakil Desert, Erta Ale, Danakil Depression, Fly Geyser, Afdera | ||
Dallol is a volcanic explosion crater (or maar) in the Danakil Depression, northeast of the Erta Ale Range in Ethiopia. It has been formed by the intrusion of basaltic magma into Miocene salt deposits and subsequent hydrothermal activity. Phreatic eruptions took place here in 1926, forming Dallol Volcano; numerous other eruption craters dot the salt flats nearby. These craters are the lowest known subaerial volcanic vents in the world, at 45 m (150 ft) or more below sea level. The most recent major activity was in October 2004 when the shallow magma chamber beneath Dallol deflated and fed a magma intrusion southwards beneath the rift.
Map of Dallol, Ethiopia
Numerous hot springs are discharging brine and acidic liquid here. Small, widespread, temporary geysers produce cones of salt.
The term Dallol was coined by the Afar people and means dissolution or disintegration, describing a landscape of green acid ponds (pH-values less than 1) and iron oxide, sulfur and salt desert plains. The area resembles the hot springs areas of Yellowstone Park.