New Volcano Pictures: "Monstrous" Eruption in the Congo

Wall of Lava

Photograph courtesy LuAnne Cadd, Virunga Gorilla Park

A low-level fissure on a flat area east of the Nyamulagira volcano appears to be the source of the lava, which is now moving toward an unpopulated part of Virunga, according to a park statement.

"The volcano isn't expected to cause fatalities for humans, but the lava flow is heading north, and there's an area called Tongo in that direction, where a family of habituated chimpanzees live—so we'll be keeping a close eye on that," Cadd said.

The park's famous mountain gorillas can likely see the erupting volcano, but they're not in danger, she added.

Read more about the Virunga gorillas.)

Published November 7, 2011

Slumbering Giant

Photograph by Patrick Aventurier, Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

In quieter times, mist shrouds Nyamulagira volcano—part of the Virunga volcano chain—in 2003.

The neighboring Nyiragongo volcano erupted violently in 2002, sending a lava flow through Goma, to the south.

Though volcanic eruptions can sometimes trigger other volcanoes, Nyamulagira's new eruption won't likely have an effect on the more volatile Nyiragongo, according to scientists at the Volcanic Observatory of Goma.

(Also see "Pictures: America's Ten Most Dangerous Volcanoes.")

Published November 7, 2011

Nature's Fury

Photograph from MONUC/UN/Reuters

Nyamulagira—Africa's most active volcano—erupts on November 28, 2006.

Since 1882 the 10,000-foot-high (3,000-meter-high) Nyamulagira has erupted more than 40 times, including a major eruption in 1938, according to a park statement.

Despite the volcano's frequent activity, human fatalities are rare.

(See "Pictures: Volcano Supercharges Sunsets Far and Wide.")

Published November 7, 2011

Orange Skies at Night

Photograph courtesy LuAnne Cadd, Virunga Gorilla Park

Trees are silhouetted against Nyamulagira's lava on Sunday night.

Cadd, the Virunga communications officer, said many people working at the national park—herself included—had hoped to witness a volcanic eruption.

"I've climbed many active and dormant volcanoes but have never seen one erupt before," she said.

"It's spectacular and incredibly awe-inspiring. Nature in its fury can be breathtaking."

(See "Volcano Pictures: First Descent Into a Magma Chamber.")

Published November 7, 2011