By Admin 
There are some places in the world where it feels as if a person has reached another planet. Danakil Depression of Ethiopia is one of them. This place is so hot and dangerous that people call it Door to Hell. This area is located about 125 meters below sea level. The temperature here goes above 50 degrees Celsius. Steam, gas and lava continuously come out from the ground here. This place looks like a burning planet.
About 50,000 years ago this area used to be part of the Red Sea. Gradually the ocean dried up due to volcanic eruptions and movement of tectonic plates. After this only lava, salt layers and acidic lakes remained. This area turned into a huge desert depression. Today it is called Afar Triangle, where the earth’s surface is constantly changing.
Colorful lakes and mystery of the land
The most beautiful identity of Danakil is its colorful lakes and land shining with minerals. The soil and lakes here appear in yellow, green, blue and red colors. In fact, when the salt and minerals here come in contact with magma and acid, layers of different colors are formed due to chemical reaction. Seeing the beauty of these lakes, it seems as if an artist has spread colors on the earth.
Danakil is the favorite place of scientists
This area is as beautiful as it is dangerous. The lakes here are not filled with water but with sulfuric acid. These lakes are called Acid Lakes. Their temperature is so high that a human cannot stay there even for a few minutes. Still, scientists use this place as a laboratory to understand conditions like Mars. The environment here is considered ideal for the discovery of extreme life forms.
Planning to visit Danakil?
Going to this area is no less than an adventure. If you are going on a Danakil trip then always go with a local guide. Carry sturdy shoes and sun protection gear. Stay away from acidic lakes. The best time to visit here is considered to be between November to March. Most tours start from Wikro town at 4 am, when temperatures are cooler than during summer. Helicopter ride is also available for viewing from above, due to which the entire area looks like some other planet.
Why is Danakil Depression special?
Danakil is not just a place, but an open book in the history of the earth. The heat, chemical-rich lakes and volcanic structures here help scientists understand how Earth and other planets might have been formed. This area proves how alive, powerful and mysterious our earth is.
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