Page 74 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

Volcano Tourism in Ethiopia and the Danakil Rift Zone 51

Figure 3.5 Arrival on Erta Ale: The expedition in 2002 used an MI-8 military helicopter for transport to the crater
Source: Jens Edelmann
Thus, the easiest way to reach Erta Ale in those tourism itineraries. Although pure sylvite,
wild days was to charter an Ethiopian Army karnalite and kainite and of course halite (NaCl)
helicopter (Figure 3.5). The flight in the old are relatively colourless, inclusion of various ions
Russian MI-8 from Mekele, a town in the north in the salt crystals is responsible for the variety of
Ethiopian Highlands, into the depression already colours encountered in the Dallol area
had an air of adventure about it, even before the (Figure 3.6) which are in stark contrast to the
main adventure started. The helicopter was fast predominantly white halite crust found in most
and could carry a huge load of tourists, luggage of the depression. The colourful springs thus
and the water supplies made necessary by daytime derive their colours mainly from ferrous chloride
temperatures of well over 40°C in the shade-free and iron hydroxide (both white-greenish), ferric
depression. It also was able to land within the Erta chloride (yellow-brown) and iron oxide (brown).
Ale caldera, less than 100 metres away from the The active springs are usually white or yellow,
active pit crater. The huge expense and limited whilst older inactive springs end up rust-coloured
availability of the helicopter are, however, problems as the result of ongoing oxidation processes. The
that prevent its use today. iron may be derived from the underlying basaltic
intrusion.
Multicoloured brine springs
The hot springs at Dallol Mountain are renowned Risk management
for their stunning white, yellow and red Development in the Danakil is still restrained by
colourations. As a result, tourism at the site is the constant threat of war, and famine and poverty
gradually increasing. While early visitors were remain an issue, irrespective of whether or not the
scientists or photographers, Dallol is gradually volcano and lava lakes are active. Ethiopia still is
being integrated in more mainstream adventure one of the poorest countries in Africa, with the

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