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 July 23, 1982 photo from the south crater rim shows a small active lava lake surrounded by black lava flows from the new June 1982 lava lake. Narrow benches halfway up the steep-walled, 1.2-km-wide summit crater mark former lava lake levels.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1982.

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

Nyiragongo