Our amazing planet.

Photo: Mysterious African Volcano Still Erupting

News
By published
nabro1-eruption-111003
False-color image of the Nabro Volcano taken by NASA's EO-1 satellite on September 28. (Image credit: NASA.)

Satellite images suggest that a restive east African volcano is continuing to simmer after erupting in more spectacular fashion earlier this summer in an isolated region where eyewitness accounts are few and far between.

The Nabro Volcano , which lies near the border of Ethiopia and Eritrea, has been erupting since the middle of June. The new images indicate lava is flowing from the 7,280-foot (2,218-meter) peak, which is the tallest of several volcanoes in the region.

Heat from vents in Nabro's central crater is visible as a red glow in this color-enhanced image.

The area south of the crater is dark, blackened by a thick layer of ash that nearly covers the sparse vegetation that grows in this lonely region near the southern tip of the Red Sea .

Just months ago, Nabro rumbled to life for the first time in recorded history. The mountain spewed forth a thick plume of ash, disrupting air travel, and sent rivers of lava running down its sides.

The eruption killed seven people and affected thousands more, according to the Eritrean government.

Follow OurAmazingPlanet for the latest in Earth science and exploration news on Twitter @OAPlanet and on Facebook.

Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.