The Lava Lake in 2008

The Lava Lake in 2008
From the pit's western rim, Stefan and Irawaty observe the lava lake which has about half the area of the lower terrace.
The Lava Lake in 2008
Lava rises along the eastern margin of the lake (top of the photos) and from there flows towards the camera (bottom).
The Lava Lake in 2008
Strong spattering occurs where lava is subducted into the lake. Note person (Franz) standing on the rim at upper left.
The Lava Lake in 2008
Taking photos from the pit's edge; the waning Moon is at upper left, Jupiter and Venus close together far left.
The Lava Lake in 2008
Looking across the first terrace towards the lava lake some time after sunset.
The Lava Lake in 2008
Expedition members on the northwestern rim of the pit. A moving flashlight caused the bright trail.
The Lava Lake in 2008
At dawn the lake level rises and spills over the second terrace (lower left).
The Lava Lake in 2008
After an hour the lake level has again subsided, lava on the terrace cools and solidifies.
The Lava Lake in 2008
Gas trapped below the lake's crust during the overflow of the terrace suddenly erupts along the lake's rim.
The Lava Lake in 2008
Subduction of crust along the western shoreline causes strong spattering and intense crustal folding.
The Lava Lake in 2008
Tele photo view of exploding lava bubbles near the location where the crust is subducted.
The Lava Lake in 2008
South of Erta Ale's caldera, another unnamed shield volcano can be seen; Hayli Gubbi volcano is further away on the right.
Photos by Marco Fulle, taken with 10.5mm and 16mm fisheye lenses, 50mm, 135mm, 500mm and digital single lens reflex camera.