The Most Unique Volcano on Earth

#oldoinyolengai #tanzania #africa #volcanoes
Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano in Tanzania, has a rich geological history that spans over 500,000 years. Its formation occurred in two primary stages: the first, Lengai I, involved the eruption of phonolite lava, and the second, Lengai II, was characterized by nephelinitic rocks. The current structure of the volcano was largely shaped about 15,000 years ago.

The volcano is renowned for its rare natrocarbonatite lava, first recorded around 1,250 years ago. This lava is unique in its low temperature and rapid transformation from black to white upon cooling. Ol Doinyo Lengai has experienced several significant eruptions and collapses throughout its history, influencing the surrounding landscapes and contributing to features like the Shifting Sands in the Olduvai Gorge.

In recent times, the volcano has been continuously active, with recorded eruptions dating back to the 1880s. Notable activities include explosive eruptions in 1917, 1940, 1966, 1983, and 1993, as well as a major eruption in 2007 that led to the formation of a new crater and had widespread effects on the local environment and communities.

Ol Doinyo Lengai stands out not only for its ongoing volcanic activity but also for its unique lava flows, which are cooler, highly fluid, and distinctively colored compared to typical volcanic lavas. This makes it a subject of significant geological interest and study.

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Link to video on the East Africa Rift Zone:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZb2q4uI4Co