Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano (Tanzania) - ash eruptions (18 January 2008)

During 17-19 January, we managed to stay on top of Lengai with a small group. During much of the time, the summit was in clouds, but on 18 January, the afternoon proved to be clear and Lengai started a phase of ash eruptions lasting from around 4pm to 8pm. A detailed report about the expedition and Lengai's acitivity in the time between 17 and 21 January can be found here.

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The steep stratovolcano of Lengai volcano seen from the plain of the Rift Valley.
The steep stratovolcano of Lengai volcano seen from the plain of the Rift Valley.
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Philip and our Maassai guide Peter examining one of the many fresh impacts on the southern slope of the crest between the north and south crater.
Philip and our Maassai guide Peter examining one of the many fresh impacts on the southern slope of ...
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The new ash cone is occupying all of the north crater. None of the former hornitos is there any more.
The new ash cone is occupying all of the north crater. None of the former hornitos is there any more...
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Zoom onto the crater walls.
Zoom onto the crater walls.
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Ash falls from eruptions during the past weeks have been concentrated in a sector west of the volcano according to prevailing easterly winds. Much of the vegetation on the Rift Valley walls and beyond has died.
ash falls from eruptions during the past weeks have been concentrated in a sector west of the volcan...
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The crater of the new ash cone on Lengai volcano. Most of the time, a very fine, dilute stream of smoke (very fine ash, probably) is issuing from its crater. Note the 3 persons on the rim in the background:
The crater of the new ash cone on Lengai volcano. Most of the time, a very fine, dilute stream of sm...
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A small group of climbers, perhaps unaware of their dangerous position, have climbed via the old northern route. Note: this route is now extremely dangerous and virtually impassible for descend. In fact, the people on the photo had to descend on the southern route. Minutes after they had passed the crater, explosions started and threw rocks over the path they took.
A small group of climbers, perhaps unaware of their dangerous position, have climbed via the old nor...
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The group from before is trying to descend back along the old route, but will have to give up: the section beyond the rocks visible in the background is now a steep, smooth slope of hardened ash with no grip.
The group from before is trying to descend back along the old route, but will have to give up: the s...
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The group is crossing the crater,- they are just tiny spots in the picture.
The group is crossing the crater,- they are just tiny spots in the picture.
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The south crater, now a desolate expanse of ash with all vegetation killed... Our tent is on its rim in the background, near where the new climbing/descending route starts, and as far as possible from the active crater...
The south crater, now a desolate expanse of ash with all vegetation killed... Our tent is on its rim...
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Shortly after the small group has crossed the crater floor, bluish gas exits the crater and a minute later, the first weak ash clouds.
Shortly after the small group has crossed the crater floor, bluish gas exits the crater and a minute...
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Pulsating fingers of ash and blocks erupting silently from the crater.
Pulsating fingers of ash and blocks erupting silently from the crater.
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An hour after the first explosions, the activity increases. Blocks and the finger-like initial ash jets are thrown to 300 m height above the crater.
An hour after the first explosions, the activity increases. Blocks and the finger-like initial ash j...
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Feb 2007, one year earlier, the same view onto the north crater from the summit. The crater famous for its surreal landscape with hornitos and small lava flows was filled to the rim with natrocarbonatite products. The summit and the south crater were lush and green. Lake Natron and the Rift Valley can be seen in the background. More images from 2007 can be found <link 2252>here</link>.
Feb 2007, one year earlier, the same view onto the north crater from the summit. The crater famous f...
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Wind is bending the erupted ash plumes.
Wind is bending the erupted ash plumes.
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Peter and Philip watching the activity. The ash cloud is drifting to the west, making it rain more ash there...
Peter and Philip watching the activity. The ash cloud is drifting to the west, making it rain more a...
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