Mount Asphyxia

Mount Asphyxia is an active volcano on Zavodovski Island in South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, rising about 550 meters above sea level. The landscape is marked by volcanic rock and a barren surface structure that continuously releases sulfurous gases into the air.

The volcano has been known for continuous volcanic activity over recent decades and erupted with notable force in 2016. That eruption covered significant portions of the island with ash and marked a major event in the geologic record of this remote polar region.

The volcano is part of the habitat for penguin colonies that thrive despite the toxic gases in the area. Local bird communities have adapted to live in this harsh volcanic environment and form a striking part of the island's character.

The island is extremely remote and can only be reached by specialized expedition vessels operating in challenging conditions. Visitors should prepare for rough seas, cold temperatures, and unpredictable weather that can make landings difficult.

The volcano is one of the few places on Earth where toxic volcanic gases and bird droppings create an unusual mixture that shapes the local ecosystem. This extreme environment gives researchers insights into how wildlife adapts to survival under the harshest natural conditions.