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A stunning late southern hemisphere spring image captured by NASA’s Landsat 9 satellite’s Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2), shows the summit crater of Mount Erebus, the world's southernmost active volcano, poking above the clouds on 25 November, 2023.
Located on Ross Island off the coast of West Antarctica, Mount Erebus is part of a cluster of volcanoes towering over McMurdo Station, just 35 kilometers (22 miles) away. At 3,794 meters (12,450 feet) above sea level, it is a stratovolcano situated in a rift zone where crustal extension has allowed magma to rise to the surface.
The detailed view from Landsat's shortwave infrared signal reveals the heat emanating from a lava lake within the summit crater. This lava lake has been active since at least 1972, making it one of the few enduring lava lakes globally. Geologists are intrigued by its longevity and speculate that the magma's low water content may contribute to its sustained activity, reducing volatility as it nears the surface.
Mount Erebus has a rich history, being active even before the discovery of its lava lake. Named by British Royal Navy officer James Clark Ross in 1841, it holds significance in Antarctic exploration, with Mount Erebus and neighbouring Mount Terror christened after warships adapted for Ross's expeditions and subsequent polar voyages.
Another image, taken from U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star in January 2022, shows Mount Erebus from sea level.
Where: Antarctica
When: 25 Nov 2023
Credit: U.S. Coast Guard/Cover Images
**EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED SUPPLIER.**