In contrast to the low profile of its neighboring shield volcano, Nyamuragira, 3470-m-high Nyiragongo displays the steep slopes of a stratovolcano. One of Africa's most notable volcanoes, Nyiragongo contained a lava lake in its deep summit crater that was active for half a century before draining suddenly in 1977. This January 1977 photo on the SSE flank shows a vehicle that was overrun by the extremely fluid 1977 lava flows from the draining of the summit lava lake. The older Shaheru stratovolcano appears on the left horizon.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1977.

Copyrighted image used with permission. All Rights Reserved. Contact photographer for any usage requests.

Nyiragongo