Mount Erebus

Source: https://bit.ly/2uRj8Xe Public Domain Image

Mount Erebus Facts

• Perhaps most notably of all, the incredible Mount Erebus looks like something one might expect to see in a movie scene set on another planet. Not content to stop there, though, the truly fabulous location holds yet another claim to fame.
• That holds true due to the fact that the incredible marvel of Nature also ranks as the second highest volcano in its part of the world. The breathtaking volcanic mountain also forms part of what’s now known by the name of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
• This feature itself includes over 160 known active volcanoes. The impressive volcano has been continuously active since 1972. In fact, this remarkable geological feature remains the most active volcano in its particular, highly remote, part of the globe.
• Also worthy of note remains the fact that Sir James Clark Ross represented the first known non-indigenous human in our time to see this sight. The renowned explorer also discovered the distinctive mount in 1841, and during an active eruption.
• He subsequently named both this site, and a companion named Mount Terror, after his two sailing ships. The name Erebus derives from a region in Greek mythology. Detailed exploration of Mount Erebus, however, did not occur right away.
• In fact, the first recorded attainment of the summit by humans occurred in 1908. But this was accomplished by a team. The first solo reach of the summit only occurred in 1985. A robotic probe first explored the interior of the volcano in 1992.

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Source: https://bit.ly/2LQoF6V Photo: United States Antarctic Program Public Domain Image

Mount Erebus Physical Description

The eerily breathtaking Mount Erebus today ranks as one of the most truly amazing and phenomenal ultra mountains in the world. Astonishingly, the volcano itself appears to have been more or less continuously active for a period of roughly 1.3 million years.

Fortunately, much like Stromboli, its combination of mild but constant activity provides an extremely rare opportunity. That state permits the existence of long-term observation, especially since the summit of this mesmerizing volcano itself sits at an incredible altitude. 

This characteristic measures about 12,448 ft (3,794 m) in total height. Quite amazingly, the apex of the remote mountain also contains what’s known as a persistent lava lake. This represents one of only five such lava lakes on the entire planet known to man.

Its unique location has also created some unique geological features in the surrounding region. In point of fact, some of these actually exist nowhere else on Earth. For example, the flank of Mount Erebus remains covered with hundreds of fumaroles.

Quite understandably, these volcanic features constantly emit steam in the freezing conditions. As a result of the impressive combination of unusual conditions, an incredible action takes place. This creates a truly otherwordly atmosphere for visitors.

That’s because the unique combination of super-heated steam and sub-freezing temperatures creates gigantic hollow towers of ice. Even more impressive remains the fact that some of these towers measure as much as roughly 60 ft (18.3 m) in height.

Mount Erebus Location and Modern History

Amazingly, the fantastic Mount Erebus formed in what easily qualifies as one of the most unexpected locations on the entire planet. That’s because the wonder of ongoing geological processes formed on the extremely remote and desolate site of Ross Island.

This island itself is also located deep in the region of Antarctica. It’s location also happens to make it the southernmost active volcano in the world. Due partly to its remoteness and inaccessibility, its exploration occurred only relatively recently, in modern times.

In fact, the first detailed exploration of the region by an official scientific team did not take place until December of the year 1912. Due to its great scientific importance, two of the camps used at that time have now been recognized for their historic significance.

Not to be outdone, the amazing site also boasts the presence of numerous caves. Most of these remain closely associated with the better known fumaroles. Mount Erebus continues to amaze scientists even today, in their continuing research, though.

That holds true because of a remarkable fact. Even in such a location, various forms of life appear. That’s because several varieties of fungi and bacteria make their home in the caves. Many scientists therefore have strong interests in studying these locations.

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