Emi Koussi, Shield volcano in northern Chad.
Emi Koussi is a shield volcano in the Sahara with a summit at approximately 3,415 meters (11,200 feet), marked by three overlapping calderas. These large depressions at the peak formed through repeated volcanic activity and give the mountain its distinctive appearance.
Formation of this volcano began during the Miocene epoch millions of years ago. Major eruption phases occurred between 2.4 and 1.3 million years ago, building the trachyte structure we see today.
The name comes from the Tibu language, referring to mountains or mountain ranges. Artificial caves near the summit show signs of past human settlements in the area.
Visitors reach this volcano through the Tibesti region, where extreme heat during the day and cold nights are typical and infrastructure remains limited. Careful preparation with sufficient water and protective gear is necessary to travel safely in this remote area.
Scientists compare this volcanic formation to Mars' Elysium Mons due to similar geological features visible in both structures. These comparisons help researchers better understand volcanic landscapes beyond Earth.
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