September 29, 2008 | 21 comments

Birth of an Ocean: The Evolution of Ethiopia's Afar Depression

Formation of an ocean is a rare event, one few scientists have ever witnessed. Yet this geophysical nativity is unfolding today in one of the hottest and most inhospitable corners of the globe. Visit the site in safety through this extraordinary photographic essay

By Eitan Haddok   

 
e-mail comment
< Prev     2 of 17     Next >
GHOSTLY SALT DEPOSITS Birth of an Ocean: The Evolution of Ethiopia's Afar Depression :: Formation of an ocean is

CLICK TO ENLARGE + Eitan Haddok

GHOSTLY SALT DEPOSITSNear Afdera volcano testify to ancient inundations in Ethiopia's Afar region. In the past 200,000 years the Red Sea flooded Afar's lowlands at least three times; the salt stayed behind as the seawater evaporated. One day the ersatz seascape will likely become the real thing.
< Prev     2 of 17     Next >
 

More from the Magazine

More to Explore


Share
Propeller    Digg!  Reddit delicious  Fark 
Slashdot    RT @sciam Birth of an Ocean: The Evolution of Ethiopia's Afar DepressionTwitter Review it on NewsTrust 
sharebar end

You Might Also Like



Discuss This Article


Click here to submit your comment.

VIEW:

2,573 characters remaining
 
  Email me when someone responds to this discussion.
 


risk free issuefree gift
Sciam - cover Email:
Name:
Address:
Address 2:
City:
State:  
spacer

Subscription Center




Editor's Pick

  • Adapting to the Freshwater CrisisForward-thinking experts are getting a better handle on the growing global water shortage and coming up with innovative approaches to ensuring the security, safety and sustainability of this resource

Newsletter

Technology Newsletter

Get weekly coverage delivered to your inbox


 Podcasts

  • 60-Second Earth     RSS  · iTunes The Jellyfish Menace
    click to enable

    Download

  • 60-Second Science     RSS  · iTunes Plants Share Light If Neighbor Is Related
    click to enable

    Download





ADVERTISEMENT
 
 

Also on Scientific American


© 1996-2009 Scientific American Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
ADVERTISEMENT