A colossal volcano dubbed the “Mountain of God” is on the brink of an eruption that could erase invaluable human history forever, experts have alarmingly warned.
Shock research shows that the 7,650ft Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano in Tanzania may blow “any second”.
If the East African volcano were to explode, scientists fear plumes of dense black smoke and ash would spew into the sky – causing untold damage to irreplaceable historical sites.
Experts are concerned the massive avalanches of molten debris could destroy a site where ancient footprints from 3.6 million years ago were discovered.
Ol Doinyo Lengai – nicknamed “Mountain of God” by the Maasai – is located just 70 miles away to the south of Lake Natron near the village of Engare Sero.
Another significant site where 400 human footprints were found is also closeby.
Speaking to National Geographic, Dr Sarah Stamps, a geophysicist at Virginia Tech, said the eruption could wipe these sites off the face of the Earth.
A team of researchers have been monitoring the volcano since 2016 over fears it may be ready to blow.
Now, one year in, a rise in seismic activity has led scientists to conclude that an eruption is “imminent”.
Dr Stamps said: “Imminent in our case means in one second, in a few weeks, a couple of months, or a year or more.
“There are increased ash emissions, earthquakes, uplift at small volcanic cones, and an ever widening crack at the top of the volcano on the west side.
“These are all signs of volcanic deformation that will likely lead to an eruption sooner rather than later.”
Cynthia Liutkus-Pierce, a geologist at Appalachian State University, said that an eruption poses a “significant threat” to historical sites near the volcano.
She said: “Historically, Lengai is capable of large debris flows and debris avalanches that reach the shore of Lake Natron, and these could potentially pose a significant threat to the site and to all of the camps that are here along the lake edge.
“I think that would be my biggest concern for this area – the potential for a debris flow or debris avalanche.”
There are several volcanoes across the globe that scientists fear could be on the brink of eruption.
Research published earlier this year shows one of those volcanoes, Campi Flegrei in Naples, Italy, could be getting ready to blow its lid.
Scientists found the volcano – which sits just miles from Mt. Vesuvius – has reached a “critical stage” where further activity may lead to an eruption. (Daily Star)
