Alam Indonesia # Gunung Kawah Ijen Banyuwangi

Kawah Ijen Volcano : Natural Wonders in Indonesia Mount Ijen Crater is an active volcano located in East Java, Indonesia. It is known for its BLUE FIRE, acidic CRATER LAKES and SULFUR MINING. BLUE FIRE is a natural phenomenon that occurs when sulfur gas from a crater is ignited by oxygen in the air. The flames can reach temperatures of up to 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit (1,040 degrees Celsius). The best time to see the blue flames is at night. CRATER LAKES are the world's largest acidic lakes, with a pH between 0.5 and 1. This means they are highly acidic and can be hazardous to human health. The lake is a beautiful turquoise color, and is surrounded by cliffs that rise 2,000 feet (610 meters) high. SULFUR MINING in Ijen is a dangerous and tiring job. The miners work in the crater, where they are exposed to the , sulfurous fumes from the volcano. They carry sulfur up the side of the volcano in baskets that weigh up to 150 pounds (68 kilograms). The sulfur is then sold to factories, where it is used to make sulfuric acid, gunpowder and other products. The climb to the top of Mount Ijen Crater is challenging, but the view from the top is worth it. The best time to visit is at night, so you can see the BLUE FIRE. The hike takes about 3 hours, so it's important to start early in the evening.