The Fascinating Science of Ol Doinyo Lengai: A Volcano With a Unique Lava Flow and Gases Similar to Mid-Ocean Ridges

Ol Doinyo Lengai, located in northern Tanzania on the East African Rift, is a unique volcano known for its unusual black lava rich in carbonate minerals. Unlike most volcanoes that erupt red hot silicate lava, Ol Doinyo Lengai’s lava is viscous like motor oil and maintains its liquid state at a relatively low temperature of 540 degrees Celsius.

The lava from Ol Doinyo Lengai can still erupt violently, with streams of liquid lava filled with dissolved gases that bubble like carbonated water. The only active vent on the volcano is the northern one, which has been erupting since April 2017 and continues as of March 2024. Scientists studying the unique lava flow have found that the gases spewed from Ol Doinyo Lengai are similar to those found at mid-ocean ridges.

At a height of 2,962 meters, Ol Doinyo Lengai is located in an area that has been tectonically active for millions of years and continues to be a fascinating geological hotspot. The East African Rift where it is located could eventually create a new ocean between East Africa and the rest of the continent. In addition to Ol Doinyo Lengai, the East African Rift has also given rise to other towering mountains in the region, such as Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.