Inner Crater
Crater Antarctic inner volcanic crater on polar plateau
The inner crater of Mount Erebus on Ross Island hosts an active lava lake and attracts volcanologists and specialized expeditions for polar fieldwork, helicopter landings and the rare chance to observe persistent volcanic activity amid Antarctic ice.
Inner Crater is the summit crater of Mount Erebus, an active volcano on Ross Island in Antarctica, and lies within the volcano’s uppermost summit area. Mount Erebus rises to about 3,794 meters and is the southernmost active volcano on Earth.
The main attraction is the persistent lava lake and associated fumarolic activity inside the summit crater, which researchers study for volcanic processes and gas emissions. Observations focus on the lake, volcanic gas plumes, and the crater’s constantly changing morphology.
Mount Erebus was first recorded by James Clark Ross during his 1841 Antarctic expedition. Since the 20th century the summit and its lava lake have been the subject of continuous scientific interest, with sustained field campaigns by polar research programs.
The inner crater sits atop Ross Island in the Ross Sea sector of Antarctica, within the Ross Dependency. The area is remote and is reached only by organized research logistics based out of Antarctic programs operating in McMurdo and Scott Base.
- Active lava lake: Contains an active lava lake at the summit that is one of the few long-lived lava lakes on Earth and a focal point for volcanic research.
- Access: Access is restricted to scientific teams and specialized guided expeditions because of extreme weather, volcanic hazards, and Antarctic treaty regulations.
How to Get to Inner Crater #
Inner Crater is the summit crater of Mount Erebus on Ross Island in Antarctica; it is not reachable by public transport. Access is generally via international flights to Christchurch, New Zealand, then on to McMurdo Station on US/NZ Antarctic Program aircraft. From McMurdo visitors or researchers travel to Mount Erebus by helicopter or by organized over-snow traverse with specialized vehicles and guides; travel requires expedition logistics and permits from the appropriate national Antarctic program.
Tips for Visiting Inner Crater #
- The Inner Crater at Mount Erebus is accessible only as part of organized scientific or guided expeditions during the austral summer-plan through an experienced Antarctic operator and expect strict safety and permitting requirements.
- Aim for the austral summer (roughly November-February) for the best weather windows and daylight; even then conditions change rapidly, so follow your guide's briefings about when it's safe to approach viewpoints.
- Avoid crowds by booking small-operator climbs or research-affiliated visits well in advance; independent landings or unsupervised visits are not possible and are tightly controlled by national Antarctic programs.
Best Time to Visit Inner Crater #
If you must go, plan for the austral summer (roughly November-February), when conditions and access are least severe.
Weather & Climate near Inner Crater #
Inner Crater's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in December) and freezing winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from -49°C to -22°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is freezing with highs of -22°C and lows of -31°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -28°C and lows of -38°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of -35°C and lows of -45°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -40°C and lows of -48°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -40°C and lows of -48°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -39°C and lows of -46°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is freezing with highs of -40°C and lows of -48°C. Almost no rain.
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August
August is the coldest month with highs of -43°C and lows of -49°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -40°C and lows of -47°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -36°C and lows of -44°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -29°C and lows of -37°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -22°C and lows of -31°C. The wettest month with 45 mm of rain.
