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The article looks at the Afar depression in Ethiopia. The 2005 eruption of the region's largest volcano, Erta Ale, caused by magma swelling up between two tectonic plates beneath the area, is described. The article notes that the area is the only place on Earth where an undersea ridge appears on land, allowing scientists to study geologic processes normally found below the ocean's surface. Also mentioned is flooding in the area from the Red Sea, which causes salt buildup.

Offers a look at social conditions facing the Afar people of the Danakil Desert in Africa. Experience of the author traveling with the Afar salt caravans; Report that Afar rebels called the Ugugumo are fighting to regain territory lost in the Eritrean-Ethiopian war; Importance of the salt trade to the Afar; Classification of the Afar language as Cushitic; Importance of Islam to the Afar.