The Danakil Depression (also known as the Afar Triangle) is a desert basin in Ethiopia, known for its vibrant colored landscape. The bright colors of green, yellow and red are composed of basalt rock, gas and lava from the underlying volcanic activity. This is happening because the mantle is forcing the Earth’s crust to slowly rift apart (at a rate of 1 to 2 cm or 0.4 to 0.8 in per year). The immediate cause is the continuous earthquakes and fissures appearing in the ground, allowing the valley floor to sink.
The Danakil is the lowest point in Africa at 155 meters below sea level (509 ft) and only receives 100 to 200 millimeters (4 to 7 in) in rainfall each year, which attributes to the area being one of the hottest places on earth year-round. The obvious geological concerns, along with civil unrest in Africa make this a particularly dangerous destination. However, personally, I am a visual traveler and I believe the Danakil would be a brilliant experience - especially for photographers.
(Photo via http://www.photovolcanica.com/VolcanoInfo/Dallol/Dallol.html)
(Photo via http://www.photovolcanica.com/VolcanoInfo/Dallol/Dallol.html)
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