The Erebus is located in Antarctica, at the bottom of the great indentation of the Ross Sea. This active volcano, whose crater rises to 3,794 meters, contains a molten lava lake. In 1974, Haroun Tazieff and his team attempted to descend to the bottom of the crater to collect lava samples. They had failed because of a dangerous hyperactivity of the volcano. The Erebus mission follows in the footsteps of the famous French volcanologist. On December 11, Antarctica leaves the port of Hobart, Tasmania. During the crossing, the three scientists of the expedition begin their daily sampling of air and seawater. After ten days at sea, the crew reaches the Ross Sea.
Unfortunately, it is covered with an almost insuperable pack ice. The Antarctica has to make its way through the ice for more than three weeks before reaching the foot of the volcano. After ten days of climbing to the top of the crater, a new disappointment awaits the scientists. The crater is gutted by explosions and collapses. Deep down, the lava lake is inaccessible. Analytical equipment has descended into the crater to collect gas samples, but it will be impossible to get to the bottom of the well.
Book : Expédition Erebus – Ed. Arthaud
Film : Erebus, le volcan des glaces – by Pierre-Antoine Hiroz
