Question: Why do you think that the Ol Doinyo Langai( in Tanzania) is the only volcano in the world that erupts natrocarbonatite lava? As far as I understood that means it is low in silica and the lava is cool and unusually fluid ?

Asked by teodoratudoran28 to Rhian on 18 Mar 2015.

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  1. Photo: Rhian MearaRhian Meara
    answered on 18 Mar 2015:

    good question! it is particularly high in carbonate which is really weired and no other volcano is like that. My friend Barry Dawson was person who discovered this volcano, he was mapping for the British Geological Society in Tanzania! his wife was there and she gave birth to their child in a Masai village 😀

    I’m not sure why this lava is so different to the ususal types. I suspect it’s because this magma is formed by melting of more carbonate rich material underground. but I will see if i can find anymore information and get to you! 🙂

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Comments

  1. Photo: teodoratudoran28teodoratudoran28
    commented on 18 Mar 2015:

    What an interesting story about your friend and his family! If you find something more about this volcano, I am glad to hear it.

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