Afar depression: get to know one of the most surreal landscapes on the planet

Have you heard about Afar Depression? Also known as the Afar Triangle, this is a region in eastern Africa located between Ethiopia, Eritrea and the Republic of Djibouti, where three tectonic plates meet, which are separating at a rate between 1 and 2 inches a year.

This intense geological activity ends up causing enormous stress on the earth's crust, resulting in the emergence of fissures, volcanoes, cliffs, faults, fumaroles and hot springs. The satellite image below - captured by NASA - shows an area that appears to be frozen. However, beneath the surface the magma “runs loose” and maintains no less than 12 active volcanoes, not to mention that earthquakes are constantly felt.

Image Source: Reproduction / NASA

In this region is also located Lake Assal, which marks the lowest point in the entire African continent, 155 meters below sea level. Due to the low elevation, the Red Sea often flooded the Depression in the past, leaving behind salt deposits that are now exploited by merchants. Surprisingly, there are also numerous pastoral tribes that somehow manage to survive in the region.

Distinguished Fossils

In addition to unusual geology, the Afar Depression is also known to have been home to some famous fossils, including Australopithecus afarensis (affectionately called Lucy), Ardipithecus ramidus, Ardipithecus kadabba and Australopithecus garhi . In addition, the earliest known stone tools were also found in the Depression.

National Geographic photographer George Steinmetz has captured amazing images of the region, and you can check out one of the most surreal landscapes on the planet below:

1 - Caravans in the salt mines

Image Source: Reproduction / George Steinmetz

For centuries salt blocks have been used in the Ethiopia region as a bargaining chip, and the image above shows caravans reaching the mines of Lake Assal.

2 - Buttes

Image Source: Reproduction / George Steinmetz

The photograph above depicts workers processing salt in Lake Afrera - another of the region - whose mine was temporarily shut down after a volcanic eruption in Eritrea covered the area with a layer of ash.

3 - Vertebrae

Image Source: Reproduction / George Steinmetz

Although it looks like a bunch of vertebrae deposited in the ground, the structures above consist of ancient lava rivers that flowed through the region.

4 - Boiling

Image Source: Reproduction / George Steinmetz

Geyser formation brings extremely hot water and steam to the surface.

5 - Lava Lake

Image Source: Reproduction / George Steinmetz

The bubbling lava lake in the image above belongs to the most active volcano Erta Ale in the region.

6 - Dunes

Image Source: Reproduction / George Steinmetz

About 1.8 meters high and between 6 and 9 meters base, the dunes above are sculpted by the constant wind blowing from east to west.

7 - Canyon

Image Source: Reproduction / George Steinmetz

Cliffs and canyons almost 25 meters high located on the sides of Dallol Mountain.

8 - Chimneys

Image Source: Reproduction / George Steinmetz

The above structures are formed from mineral-rich steam from underground magma chambers which, as it evaporates, deposits particles along the air passages.

9 - Assal Lake

Image Source: Reproduction / George Steinmetz

Considered one of the saltiest lakes in the world, the intense heat of the region coupled with strong winds causes rapid evaporation of waters, leaving behind a variety of minerals that accumulate along the bank, and plenty of salt, of course.

10 - Salt

Image Source: Reproduction / George Steinmetz

Another image of Lake Assal, the photograph shows large salt deposits.

* Originally posted 23/07/2013.