In soda lakes, a particular form of bacterium frequently produces “algae blooms,” which in turn tint the water. A specific form of algae is the reason for the colors. The lake frequently has areas that are bright red or orange. The animals, birds, and bats that perish in the water become mummified replicas of themselves after being calcified. As a result, many of the birds and animals that drink from Lake Natron pass away. The majority of the species that have fed on this algae suffer cell, brain, and liver damage as a result of the chemicals it releases into the environment. The lake is really hot: Summertime lake temperatures can reach 60 ☌ (140 ☏)! Hot springs can be found on its eastern shore as well.Ĭyanobacteria are present in great abundance in Lake Natron’s water. Even from orbit, you can tell that the water has a reddish tint. Occasionally, the water becomes red: The algae that grows in Lake Natron’s hypersaline environment causes the water to occasionally turn red (or orange-red). Lesser flamingos’ main nesting grounds worldwide are actually in this lake. Where others fail, flamingos flourish: The bacterium in Lake Natron that kills most other birds does not damage flamingos. A particular type of bacteria that harms the internal organs of species that consume it can flourish in this environment. The water in the lake is lethal: Large salt, soda, and magnetite deposits can be found in Lake Natron. The lake’s water is extremely alkaline because the water entering the lake leaches through the volcanic material of nearby Ol Doinyo Lengai Mountain. The lake’s location in a desert is the reason of this.Ī volcano-fed lake: The majority of the lake’s water comes from springs and sporadic streams it has no outflows. Phantom rain : Only 400 mm of rain fall on Lake Natron annually, and a large portion of that is “phantom rain”-rain that evaporates before it reaches the surface. Here are some facts to know about Lake Natron before you make your safari plan and booking there: We also value the area’s true isolation and limited population. It boasts diverse fauna, including camels, as well as stunning scenery that frequently looks unbelievable or surreal. One of our favorite things about Lake Natron is how drastically different it is from the nearby attractions. We frequently take customers seeking to go on a Big Five safari to the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, but we now also offer a trip to Lake Natron. Lake Natron is ideally situated to be included in a Northern Tanzania safari Parks. THE PERFECT ADDITION TO A TANZANIA SAFARI A little piece of the lake, specifically its northern tip, is located in southern Kenya across the border. The lake’s length from north to south is 56 km, while its width is 24 km. Just over 100 kilometers northwest of the town of Arusha, in northern Tanzania, is where Lake Natron located. Because of this, Lake Natron is sometimes referred to as Tanzania’s stunning but deadly red lake. In and around the lake, there are dead animals and birds. It is poisonous to most animals because of this. Lake Natron is distinctive not only because it occasionally turns red but also because it is extremely caustic (alkaline) due to the surrounding volcano. Why? First off, some of it occasionally turns red! Additionally, we bet you’ve never seen a red lake. Explore Lake Natron: Tanzania’s Beautiful And Deadly Red Lake : The parched, northern region of Tanzania is home to Lake Natron, which is unlike any other lake you’ve ever seen or heard of. As isolated as the lake is (it wasn't even discovered by Europeans until 1954), there are no protections in place for the lake or its threatened flamingo population.įollow Marc Lallanilla on Twitter and Google+. The serenity of Lake Natron - and its flamingo population - are threatened by a proposed hydroelectric power plant on the Ewaso Ngiro River, the main river feeding the lake. As shallow lakes in a hot climate, their water temperatures can reach as high as 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius). Both are terminal lakes that do not drain out to any river or sea they are fed by hot springs and small rivers. Lake Natron is one of two alkaline lakes in that area of East Africa the other is Lake Bahi. The flamingos' nests are built on small islands that form in the lake during the dry season. During breeding season, more than 2 million lesser flamingos ( Phoenicopterus minor) use the shallow lake as their primary breeding ground in Africa.
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