Ethiopia
Danakil Depression
Welcome to the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia — one of the hottest, lowest places on Earth, painted in wild colors of yellow, green, and orange by bubbling mineral springs.
Why is it famous?
It's one of the hottest places on Earth, with temperatures often between 35-40°C (95-104°F) all year round.
Part of it, called Dallol, has bright yellow and green pools that look like they belong on another planet.
How did it form?
The Danakil Depression sits over 100 meters below sea level, formed as huge pieces of the Earth's crust slowly pulled apart.
Hot magma underground heats water that rises to the surface, dissolving minerals like sulfur and iron that create its rainbow colors.
Amazing facts
The colorful crust is made from sulfur, salt, and iron — the same kind of rust color you'd see on an old metal gate.
It's also one of the lowest points on the continent, sitting more than 100 meters below sea level.
Quick facts
- The colorful crust is made from sulfur, salt, and iron — the same kind of rust color you'd see on an old metal gate.
- It's also one of the lowest points on the continent, sitting more than 100 meters below sea level.
- Scientists study it because its harsh conditions are similar to what early life on Earth — or even life on Mars — might have looked like.
- Local Afar people have mined salt from this desert for centuries, carrying it out by camel caravan.