According to Global Volcanism Program lava lakes have been present since 1967, and possibly 1906, although the N lava lake became
inactive between 1988 and 1992. Although our main interest, naturally, was in the S pit, we also travelled around the N pit which is
featured on this page.
Overview of N pit (fish-eye lens). The S pit can just barely be seen behind the fumaroles.
Strange fumarolic deposits along the N pit's northern rim.
Close up of the same fumarolic deposits.
Despite the dry and hot climate, vegetation can be found on the caldera's outer slopes.
Remarkable hornito formed by extremely fluid lava on the N pit's northeatsern rim.
Fracturing due to extension along the rift zone's axis near the N pit's northwestern overflow.
Small volcanic bombs have weathered out of softer tuff. Probably wind erosion played a part in forming these remarkable features.
Note how the fumaroles south of the N pit are aligned along a fault line possibly caused by slumping of lava into the N pit.
A miniature pit only a few dozens of meters in diameter on the S rim of the N pit. Note lava stalactites in foreground.
Collapsed lava tunnel between the N and the S pit. Walking in this area was very hazardous...
Remarkably big lava ropes between N and S pit. Caldera E wall in the background.
The mini-pit seen from the other side (cf. first image of this row).
