In a remote area of Ethiopia, there’s a lake nicknamed the ‘Killer Lake’ that can choke humans simply by being nearby. The place, known as the Danakil Depression, is extremely hot and one of the most alien-like locations on Earth, as few scientists have visited or studied it.
Located in northeastern Ethiopia, south of Eritrea, and northwest of Djibouti, the Danakil Depression is also known as the Afar Depression or the Afar Triangle.
Across the dry land, there are pools of bright yellow and green bubbling like hot cauldrons.
At more than 100 meters below sea level, this is one of the most inhospitable and least-studied places on the planet.
According to BBC Future on Wednesday (Jan 22, 2025), the Danakil Depression is one of the driest places on Earth, but a stretch of molten magma lies just beneath its thin crust, with two highly active volcanoes in the area. It is also dotted with acidic ponds, geysers, and deep craters like Dallol.
“Killer Lake,” the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia. (Photo: Michele Spatari via LadBible)
Barbara Cavalazzi of Bologna University, Italy, has conducted research expeditions to the Danakil area since 2013. She describes the environment as “extremely harsh,” noting that temperatures have been measured as high as 55 degrees Celsius. However, it’s not just the heat that’s perilous; the air itself is deadly.
Researchers are required to wear gas masks due to the toxic hydrogen sulfide and chlorine vapors that can choke their lungs.
“The lake goes by many different names. Locals call it ‘Gaet’Ale’ or ‘Arrath’. Some call it the ‘Oily Lake’ or the ‘Yellow Lake,'” she explained.
“Many refer to it as the ‘Killer Lake,’ because when you’re near it and look around, you can see many small insects and birds lying dead nearby. They likely came there intending to drink, but what actually kills them is the strong emission of carbon dioxide,” she added.
Due to this carbon dioxide, birds flying directly over the lake end up suffocating. For humans, thanks to our height, the lake is less dangerous. However, Cavalazzi warns that anything within 30 cm of the water’s surface will die from inhaling too much carbon dioxide. Terrifying!