Ethiopia, Danakil Depression, Sulfur-Andesite Lava Flows in the Crater of Dallol Volcano

The Danakil Depression is the hottest place on Earth. It is also one of the lowest places on the planet (100 m below sea level), and without rain for most of the year.Additionally, the area contains the sulfur hot springs. These wet environments at the Danakil Depression are being investigated to help understand how life might arise on other planets and moons. Any microorganisms living here will be extremophilic microbes of a major interest to astrobiologists.