Lake Afrera
Āfar
Lake Afrera, also known as Lake Giulietti and Lake Egogi, is a hypersaline lake situated in the Afar Region of northern Ethiopia within the Danakil Depression. Covering an area of approximately 117 square kilometers, the lake reaches depths up to 80 meters in its northern basin. Unlike typical saline lakes in Ethiopia, Lake Afrera's waters are acidic with a low pH. It hosts unique endemic fish species such as Danakilia franchettii and Aphaniops stiassnyae. The lake is fed by numerous hot springs along its shores and possibly underwater springs, with its salinity originating from hydrothermal interactions with underground evaporites and basalts rather than seawater. Geologically, it lies within a faulted depression linked to nearby volcanic ranges, and a volcanic caldera may exist in its southern basin. The lake's single island, Franchetti Island, is notable as the world's lowest-lying island. Historically, Lake Afrera has been a significant source of rock salt for centuries, with local extraction methods evolving to include brine pumping for salt precipitation. However, after the 2011 Nabro volcanic eruption, sulfuric acid contamination rendered the salt inedible. The lake's level has fluctuated over millennia, influenced by climatic changes, with evidence showing it was once significantly larger during the African Humid Period.
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Astuce: Visitors should plan to visit during the dry season for safer access and more stable conditions. Due to the lake's shifting nature and occasional dangerous overflow events, guided tours with experienced local guides are recommended. Purchasing salt products should be done cautiously, considering recent contamination issues. Advance arrangements and local knowledge are essential for a safe and informative visit.
Faits intéressants
- •Franchetti Island in Lake Afrera is considered the lowest-lying island in the world.
- •The lake's waters are acidic, unlike other Ethiopian saline lakes which are alkaline.
- •Lake Afrera hosts two endemic fish species: Danakilia franchettii and Aphaniops stiassnyae.
- •The lake's salt deposits amount to an estimated 290 million tons, making it a significant natural resource.
- •Historical accounts describe the lake as 'moving,' with sudden shifts causing dangerous collapses and floods affecting salt miners.
Histoire
Lake Afrera was first seen by Europeans in 1928 when Italian explorer Giuseppe Maria Giulietti's Afar guide named it Lake Egogi.
The lake was named Lake Giulietti in honor of the explorer who was killed nearby.
For centuries, the lake and its surrounding depression have been mined for rock salt by local communities.
Geological activity, including volcanic eruptions such as Nabro in 2011, has periodically altered the lake's environment and salt quality.
Over tens of thousands of years, the lake's level has fluctuated dramatically, with higher levels during the African Humid Period.