Deep Carbon Observatory: Costa Rica

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Alfred P. Sloan Annual Report

The Deep Carbon Observatory is a ten-year international collaborative research project that aims to radically transform our understanding of the quantities, movements, distribution, and properties of deep Earth carbon and its roles in the origin and limits of life, the creation hydrocarbons, and the global carbon cycle. Here, scientists are descending into the active Poas Volcano to collect samples from one of the world’s most acidic lakes.

Poas has erupted 40 times since 1828. The scientists are entering the volcano in late February, 2017-it erupted in April.

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Poas Volcano, Poas National Park, Costa Rica.  Altitude 8,885 feet, 1,000 feet across.  We had a precarious drive to the top including a brake failure on our SUV.

Scientists begin descent on an extremely narrow trail to lake on volcano floor.

Scientists taking selfies as they prepare to descend to Poas Volcano floor.

Scientists sampling hot springs.

Scientists ham it up in front of Cave of Death at amusement park in Costa Rica. The cave’s atmosphere is volcanic carbon dioxide. Often the bodies of dead small animals can be seen from the mouth of the cave.

 

Another Roadside Attraction, Costa Rica, 2017