Along the Great Rift, we have seen some formidable things that nature has created and Ol Doinyo Lengai, “Mountain of God” Volcano is no different. This active volcano, that is found on the Gregory Rift within the Arusha Region of Tanzania, is the only and literally the coolest volcano in the world. Unlike its hostile counterparts, the lava is not silica based but rather carbonite based making it much colder in temperature, at an average temperature of 510°C. The lava is said to contain many different alkali elements such as calcium, potassium and sodium, it is actually so sodium rich is it is referred to as a natrocarbonatite.
Thanks to the ‘low temperature’ the lava dries a unique white grey colour and it has been said that because it can solidify in seconds on impact with the atmosphere, it can dry in mid-air and sprinkle down the mountain. The different chemical nature of the lava also makes it less viscous which allows it to escape from little peaks known as “hornitos”
Due to its relative safety , it is commonly known as the ‘Toy Volcano’ and is studied by many a scientist.
