June 2009 eruption photographs

Basaltic lava flows erupted from a newly formed fissure in the centre of the rift zone. The volcanic cones lie along the line of the fissure and are still emitting gases from the magma below. The entire fissure is about 5km long. Photos taken around four days after the start of the eruption. Photograph by Talfan Barnie, University of Cambridge.

Carrying equipment from the helicopter towards the new eruption site. Once on the ground we had just two hours to study the new lava flows before being picked up again. Photo: Talfan Barnie, University of Cambridge.

Dave Ferguson waits by helicoptor collecting guards and local geologist Osman in the Afar regional capital Semera. Photograph by Talfan Barnie, University of Cambridge.

New lava flows on the floor of the rift. The eruptive fissure can be seen in the distance (~2km away). Photography by Talfan Barnie, University of Cambridge.

Thermal image of new lava flows (as above). The scale on the right is the temperature in degrees Celsius.

Collecting gas samples from a fissure in the new lava flow. A small pump is used to suck gas through the white filter that is hanging from the tripod. The gases are then analysed back in the UK. Although it appears cool, some parts of the flow are still very hot (as can be seen in the next image). Photograph by Talfan Barnie, University of Cambridge.

Thermal image of tripod and gas filter shown in previous picture. The scale on the right is the temperature in degrees Celsius. Just below the surface of the lava was still over 160°C. The tripod is coloured blue and is to the left of the centre cross.