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   

 
e-mail comment
< Prev     15 of 17     Next >
SALT OF THE EARTH Birth of an Ocean: The Evolution of Ethiopia's Afar Depression :: Formation of an ocean is

CLICK TO ENLARGE + Eitan Haddok

SALT OF THE EARTHSalty traces of past deluges give the modern people of Afar a modest means to benefit from their baked and barren homeland. These nomadic herders collect the salt by hand, wielding wooden stakes and hatchets to break the thick layers into manageable blocks.
< Prev     15 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



World Changing Ideas



Editor's Pick


Newsletter

Evolution Newsletter

Get weekly coverage delivered to your inbox


 Podcasts

  • 60-Second Science     RSS  · iTunes Botoxed Face Impairs Bad Feelings
    click to enable

    Download

  • 60-Second Science     RSS  · iTunes Distracted Customers' Wait Times Fly
    click to enable

    Download





ADVERTISEMENT
 
 

Also on Scientific American


© 2010 Scientific American, a division of Nature America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
ADVERTISEMENT