[Original Dutch] The Kawah Idjen. Solfatara [end]
The spray flying off the edge of this image is an acidic spray from the Kawah-Ijen volcanic lake. Since the Solfatara volcano is still active, the lake temperature and chemical composition varies depending on the movement of molten liquids and chemicals beneath it. The temperature and acidity is sufficient to melt limestone.
For the past 40 years, sulfur has been mined here through a a network of corrosion-resistant pipes. Workers carry large sacks of sulphur on their backs up the volcanic sides, a dangerous task. Kwah is an Indonesian word meaning crater. |
