Falling into Lava Usually Means Instant Death, But Ol Doinyo Lengai Has a 'Cool' Reason Why One May Survive

Active volcanoes are usually fatal if one somehow falls in them unluckily. However, Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano from Tanzania stands apart in this case as there is a possibility that a person may survive after falling into it, IFL Science reported. This is because of the volcano's unique composition which brings down its lava's temperature considerably unlike others.

Local Maasai people have labeled the Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano as the "Mountain of God," stated Earth Observatory NASA. The summit of the volcano features a light-colored ash cone and crater. Several side vents cover the cone with multiple active and ephemeral stream channels, finding their way through the volcano’s flanks. Most of the water in these stream channels goes into Lake Natron.

Most lavas around the world erupt at an average temperature of around 1,100 to 1,250°C (2,012 to 2,282°F), according to IFL Science. In the case of Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano, the eruption temperature is 510°C (950°F). The minerals present in Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano lava are responsible for this unique phenomenon. "Carbonatite magma at Ol Doinyo Lengai has less than three percent silica and is more akin to something you'd expect to find on a different planet," the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) explained. "What makes this lava so different from the stuff we're used to? The chemical composition of carbonatite magma includes very little silica (silicon dioxide), the most abundant chemical constituent of the earth's crust."

Lava that contains less silica has lesser viscosity. This implies that the lava's texture is thick and oozy, causing it to move at a much faster pace compared to other volcanoes. During its motion, Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano's lava looks like blackened water. The comparatively faster pace cools down the lava much more than others in similar conditions. Despite the temperature drop, researchers have cautioned people against interacting with the lava as it still stands at 510°C (a temperature that falls in the category of really hot).

Researchers have claimed that people can survive after falling into the lava based on an incident that happened in 2007. A local Maasai porter fell into active lava in Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano and was rescued by an expedition group. Though the porter suffered some serious burns, none of them turned out to be fatal. He was sent to a hospital for treatment where he recuperated from his injuries.