The Lava Lake in 2008

From the pit's western rim, Stefan and Irawaty observe the lava lake which has about half the area of the lower terrace.

Lava rises along the eastern margin of the lake (top of the photos) and from there flows towards the camera (bottom).

Strong spattering occurs where lava is subducted into the lake. Note person (Franz) standing on the rim at upper left.

Taking photos from the pit's edge; the waning Moon is at upper left, Jupiter and Venus close together far left.

Looking across the first terrace towards the lava lake some time after sunset.

Expedition members on the northwestern rim of the pit. A moving flashlight caused the bright trail.

At dawn the lake level rises and spills over the second terrace (lower left).

After an hour the lake level has again subsided, lava on the terrace cools and solidifies.

Gas trapped below the lake's crust during the overflow of the terrace suddenly erupts along the lake's rim.

Subduction of crust along the western shoreline causes strong spattering and intense crustal folding.

Tele photo view of exploding lava bubbles near the location where the crust is subducted.

South of Erta Ale's caldera, another unnamed shield volcano can be seen; Hayli Gubbi volcano is further away on the right.