Dallol geothermal field in Ethiopia, where no life can exist 27/11/2019 – Posted in: Daily News
Dallol geothermal field
Researchers have found a place on Earth that does not harbour any form of life despite the presence of water: hot, saline, hyperacid ponds in the Dallol geothermal field in Ethiopia.
The infernal landscape of Dallol, located in the Ethiopian depression of Danakil, extends over a volcanic crater full of salt, constantly releasing toxic gases with water boiling in the midst of the intense hydrothermal activity.
According to researchers, the landscape had abundant hypersaline and hyper acid pools, with pH — which is measured on a scale from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline) — even hitting the negative mark.
Dallol geothermal field
Dallol geothermal field
Dallol is a unique, terrestrial hydrothermal system in Ethiopia. It is known for its unearthly colors and mineral patterns, and the very acidic fluids that are discharging from its hydrothermal springs.
Dallol lies in the evaporitic plain of the Danakil depression at the Afar Triangle, in the prolongation of the Erta Ale basaltic volcanic range. The intrusion of basaltic magma in the marine sedimentary sequence of Danakil resulted in the formation of a salt dome structure, where the hydrothermal system is hosted.
The wider area of Dallol is known as one of the driest and hottest places on the planet. It is also one of the lowest land points, lying 125 m (410 ft) below mean sea level. Other known hydrothermal features nearby Dallol are Yellow (Gaet’Ale) and Black Lakes.
Important Information
Microorganisms have an ability to adapt to the most extreme environments on our planet but not at the Dallol geothermal field.
Source: NDTV
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