A satellite image has captured the simultaneous eruptions of Africa’s most active volcanoes, Mount Nyamuragira and Mount Nyiragongo, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Taken in 2014 by Landsat 8, the image reveals glowing lava lakes atop both volcanoes, highlighting their intense volcanic activity. These eruptions serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat these giants pose to nearby populations.
The Spectacular Lava Lakes of Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo
The Landsat 8 satellite captured an image that truly stands out. This false-color infrared photo shows not just the height of volcanic activity but also the power of nature as both volcanoes erupt simultaneously, their lava lakes glowing with fiery intensity. The image was taken a few weeks after Nyamuragira began erupting after a break of over two years.
Mount Nyamuragira is a shield volcano, which means it is dome-shaped and typically erupts lava that spreads out slowly over wide areas. Its summit is about 10,033 feet (3,058 meters) high, and it has had a long history of eruptions, with the most recent one still ongoing since 2018. This volcano is known for its frequent eruptions such as the “Murara” cinder cone, which emerged between 1976 and 1977.
On the other hand, Mount Nyiragongo, a stratovolcano with a steeper cone shape, towers higher at 11,385 feet (3,470 meters) above sea level. Despite being less active than Nyamuragira, its eruptions are particularly dangerous due to the fast-moving lava flows that can reach deadly speeds.
Nyiragongo’s lava lake is one of the largest on Earth, a rarity for stratovolcanoes. It has been continuously active since May 2002, and the lake itself has been a focal point for volcanic studies due to its size and behavior.
A Natural Phenomenon with Global Implications
Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo formed around 12,000 years ago, during a period of intense tectonic activity along the Kameronze fault line. This geological connection means their eruptions are often synchronized. The 2014 satellite image is one of the few captures showing this dual eruption at its peak.
According to Live Science, since 1900, the two volcanoes have erupted around 60 times in total, contributing to a large portion of Africa’s volcanic eruptions. Nyamuragira is considered the more active of the two, frequently producing eruptions that can be seen from miles away. Nyiragongo’s eruptions, however, are more devastating, with fast-moving lava flows that have historically caused massive casualties, such as during the January 2002 eruption, which left over 100,000 people homeless.
The Ongoing Dangers of These Volcanic Giants
Both volcanoes pose significant risks to nearby communities, particularly Goma, the bustling city located near Nyiragongo. The city, home to more than a million people, has experienced catastrophic damage due to previous eruptions.
The lava flows from Nyiragongo are among the fastest ever recorded, reaching speeds of up to 62 mph (100 km/h) during the 1977 eruption, which killed approximately 2,000 people. This terrifying speed of lava flow leaves little time for evacuation.
Why Scientists Are Focusing on Africa’s Volcanoes?
The Landsat 8 infrared imagery has provided invaluable data for scientists studying volcanic behavior, lava lake dynamics, and the risks posed by these volatile volcanoes. The image not only shows the glowing lava lakes but also highlights the surrounding vegetation, which appears green due to the infrared radiation detected by the satellite.
This color contrast allows researchers to monitor changes in the landscape and gain a better understanding of volcanic impacts on the environment.
The presence of such intense heat and ongoing activity from both volcanoes shows the necessity of regular satellite surveillance.
