Ol Doinyo Lengai

Ol Doinyo Lengai

Ol Doinyo Lengai, also known as the "Mountain of God" in the Maasai language, is an active volcano located in the Great Rift Valley in Tanzania. It is the only volcano in the world that erupts carbonatite lava, which is a type of lava that is rich in carbonate minerals. The lava from Ol Doinyo Lengai is also very fluid, which means that it flows quickly and easily.

The name "Ol Doinyo Lengai" means "Mountain of God" in the Maasai language. The Maasai people believe that the volcano is sacred, and they have a number of legends about it. One legend tells the story of a young Maasai man who was killed by a lion. The man's spirit went to Ol Doinyo Lengai, where it became a volcano god. The volcano god is said to protect the Maasai people, and to punish those who do not respect the land.

Ol Doinyo Lengai is a relatively small volcano, with a summit elevation of 2,962 meters (9,710 feet). However, it is a very active volcano, and has erupted numerous times in recent history. The most recent eruption was in 2019.

The lava from Ol Doinyo Lengai is very different from the lava from other volcanoes. It is much cooler, with a temperature of about 590 degrees Celsius (1,054 degrees Fahrenheit). This is because the lava from Ol Doinyo Lengai is rich in carbonate minerals, which lower its melting point.

The lava from Ol Doinyo Lengai is also very fluid, which means that it flows quickly and easily. This is because the carbonate minerals in the lava make it less viscous. The lava flows from the volcano in a series of channels, and can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour).

Ol Doinyo Lengai is a popular tourist destination, and people come from all over the world to see the unique lava flows. However, it is important to note that the volcano is still active, and visitors should take precautions when visiting.