Antarctica
Mount Erebus
Welcome to Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth! Deep inside its icy summit bubbles one of the only long-lasting lava lakes in the world.
Why is it famous?
It is the world's southernmost active volcano, towering over the frozen landscape of Ross Island.
Inside its crater is a rare lava lake that has been bubbling for decades — only a few places on Earth have one.
How was it formed?
Mount Erebus formed from thousands of years of eruptions, building up layer by layer into a huge volcanic mountain.
Hot melted rock called magma rises from deep underground, sometimes reaching all the way up into the summit lava lake.
Amazing facts
It stands about 12,448 feet tall — more than twice as tall as many famous mountains!
Its lava lake has stayed molten for over 40 years, which is extremely rare on Earth.
Quick facts
- It stands about 12,448 feet tall — more than twice as tall as many famous mountains!
- Its lava lake has stayed molten for over 40 years, which is extremely rare on Earth.
- Scientists sometimes camp right on the volcano to study it, even in the freezing cold.
- It sometimes shoots out volcanic bombs — chunks of cooled lava — that hold tiny crystals inside.