Ulrike Crespo Gallery/ Sara Urbaez / May 9, 2018 2:12 PM

  • Image may contain Nature Outdoors Ground Scenery Plateau Landscape Mountain and Land
    Ulrike Crespo
    01
    The hot springs of Dallol in the Danakil Depression are brightly colored by sulphur, potash, and other minerals.
  • Image may contain Soil Ground Nature Land Outdoors Landscape and Scenery
    Ulrike Crespo
    02
    The Danakil Depression was once part of the Red Sea. Following a volcanic eruption, the waters dried up, leaving behind lots of salt.
  • This image may contain Plant and Algae
    Ulrike Crespo
    03
    Hot springs bubble up into acidic pools that form ethereal crystals and pillars as the briny waters evaporate.
  • Image may contain Plant and Grass
    Ulrike Crespo
    04
    The temperature of the hot springs can reach up to 194°F.
  • This image may contain Soil Nature Outdoors Desert Land Ground and Landscape
    Ulrike Crespo
    05
    The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest places on earth. The average year-round daily temperature is about 94°F.
  • This image may contain Plant and Algae
    Ulrike Crespo
    06
    The temperature of the hot springs can reach up to 194°F.
  • Image may contain Animal Mammal Cattle Cow and Camel
    Ulrike Crespo
    07
    Camels rest while journeying through the Danakil Depression. The area is inhabited by the Afar people.
  • Image may contain Nature Outdoors Mountain Cliff Mesa and Valley
    Ulrike Crespo
    08
    Rock formations rise in the Danakil Depression. The earth here dips more than 400 feet below sea level.
  • Image may contain Ground Plant Algae Moss and Rock
    Ulrike Crespo
    09
    The Danakil Depression is filled with geological wonders. It has been intensely shaped by volcanic activity and the slow separation of three tectonic plates.
  • Image may contain Nature Water Outdoors Plant River Moss Algae and Vegetation
    Ulrike Crespo
    10
    Crystals form as the briny water evaporates.
  • This image may contain Plant and Algae
    Ulrike Crespo
    11
    The hot springs form sculptural deposits.
  • Image may contain Nature Outdoors Desert Plateau Road and Ground
    Ulrike Crespo
    12
    The Danakil Depression is home to sandstone, limestone, and basalt.
  • Image may contain Ground Building Housing Monastery Architecture Outdoors Nature Soil Archaeology and Mesa
    Ulrike Crespo
    13
    A view of the Danakil desert near Dallol.
  • Image may contain Human Person Animal Horse Mammal Sled Dogsled and Bird
    Ulrike Crespo
    14
    Camels transport bricks of salt to market.
Read More
The Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having Fun
From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.
Chris Haslam
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
The Best Apple Watch Accessories
You finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.
Adrienne So
The Best Merino Wool T-Shirts for Every Occasion
These merino wool tees are the last shirts you’ll ever wear. I’m wearing one right now.
Scott Gilbertson
The Best Game Controller for Every Kind of Player
A great gamepad instantly levels up your play. These are our top picks for Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
Brad Bourque
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Fitness Trackers Check Your Sleep, Heart Rate, or Even Your Blood
With almost ten years of hands-on testing, WIRED knows what separates the best fitness trackers from the rest.
Adrienne So
The Best Heart Rate Monitors Check Your Cardiac Health
These chest straps and watches will help you keep your finger on your pulse—and many other heart-related metrics.
Michael Sawh
Death to Dry Skin. These Humidifiers Are Better Than Chapstick
From models for traveling to humidifiers that double as planters or air purifiers, we've tested a dozen of them.
Matthew Korfhage
The 11 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride
I tested the best electric bikes in every category, from commuters and mountain bikes to foldables and cruisers.
Adrienne So
The Best Hybrid Mattresses for the Best of Both Worlds
By combining foam and springs in carefully tuned layers, hybrids hit the sweet spot between soft and supportive. Here are our favorites after extensive testing.
Julia Forbes
These Are Our Favorite Standing Desks to Liven Up Your Workstation
Take your home office to new heights with our favorite motorized standing desks.
Nicole Kinning