September 29, 2008 | 23 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

< Prev 8 of 17 Next >

HELLISH HEAT Birth of an Ocean: The Evolution of Ethiopia's Afar Depression :: Formation of an ocean is

HELLISH HEATOne hundred kilometers north of Erta Ale, near the Eritrea border, is the Dallol crater. There molten magma simmering below the surface fuels a vast plumbing network of superheated water. The result is a 1.6-kilometer-wide field of hydrothermal vents, geysers and hot springs that call to mind the similar but more accessible environment in Yellowstone National Park in the western U.S.

< Prev 8 of 17 Next >

More from the Magazine

October
2008 Issue
News Scan Researchers hone seismic skills to peer inside glaciers
Recommended Reviews: Human: The Science behind What Makes Us Unique
In Brief News Scan Briefs: Eel Model for Body Armor; Great Green Wall
Buy the Digital Edition

More to Explore

Related Article
Slide Show: The Afar Depression Photo Essay
Related Article
Slide Show: How Ocean's Are Born

Read Comments (23) | Post a comment

You Might Also Like

Discuss This Article

Click here to submit your comment.

VIEW:



	Email:
	Name:
	Address:
	Address 2:
	City:
	State:

Subscription Center

World Changing Ideas

Video ContestInnovation is the key to a better future. Enter your own World Changing Ideas videos in our contest.

Editor's Pick

Time to Ban Production of Nuclear Weapons MaterialA new global treaty that cuts off production of plutonium and highly enriched uranium for nuclear weapons could jump-start nuclear disarmament and help prevent proliferation