Mount Erebus

Mount Erebus Facts

• Looking like something one might expect to see in a movie scene set on another planet, the incredible Mount Erebus ranks as the second highest volcano in its part of the world.
• The mount also forms part of the Pacific Ring of Fire which includes over 160 active volcanoes. The volcano has been continuously active since 1972.
• In fact, this remarkable geological feature remains the most active volcano in its particular, highly remote part of the globe.
• Sir James Clark Ross was the first non-indigenous human in our time to see this sight. He discovered the mount in 1841 during an active eruption.
• The first reach of the summit happened in 1908, and a robotic probe first explored the interior of the volcano in 1992. 

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Mount Erebus Physical Characteristics

The eerily breathtaking Mount Erebus today ranks as one of the most truly amazing and phenomenal ultra mountains in the world.

The summit of this mesmerizing volcano itself sits at an incredible altitude of about 12,448 ft (3,794 m) high. 

The summit of the mountain also contains a persistent lava lake. This remains one of only five such lava lakes on the planet that humans know of. How incredible is that?

Its unique location has created some unique geological features which exist nowhere else on Earth. The flank of Mount Erebus is covered with hundreds of fumaroles which constantly emit steam.

The unique combination of super-heated steam and sub-freezing temperatures creates gigantic hollow towers of ice. Some of these measure as much as roughly 60 ft (18.3 m) in height.

Mount Erebus Location and Modern History

The fantastic Mount Erebus formed on the extremely remote and desolate Ross Island. This island is also located rather deep in the region of Antarctica.

Upon its discovery in 1841, by Sir James Clark Ross, the site was named Erebus, after a particularly dark section of Hades, in ancient Greek mythology.

The site was first explored in detail by a scientific team in December of 1912. Two of the camps used have now been recognized for their historic significance.

The first known successful climb to the crater summit occurred in 1908, by a group led by Sir Ernest Shackleton. 

This place would also make an incredible movie set.

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