A volcano is like a giant pressure valve in the ground. Deep underground, melted rock called magma builds up until it needs to escape. At Yasur, it escapes in big booming blasts — sometimes every few minutes. Visitors and scientists stand on the rim of the crater and feel the ground shake beneath their feet with every eruption.
The island people of Tanna have lived next to Yasur for thousands of years. They consider the volcano a living part of their home and treat it with great respect. Local guides know exactly where it is safe to stand and walk visitors to the very best viewing spots as the sun goes down and the glow turns deep orange.
Scientists love Yasur too, because it gives them a window into how the inside of the Earth works. They lower special instruments on cables into the crater to measure the temperature and gases. The lava inside can reach 1,200 degrees Celsius — hotter than a pottery kiln by far.
Yasur is also one of the reasons Vanuatu's soils are so rich and fertile. Volcanic ash breaks down over hundreds of years into soil packed with minerals, which is brilliant for growing food. The gardens around Tanna produce enormous yams, sweet potatoes and taro.