The photosynthesizing pigment in the cyanobacteria colors the deeper parts of the water red, while the shallow parts of the lake take on a more orange blush.Įven though the colorful surface can be very charming, it’s a fatal trap for most animals. It is also responsible for turning the lake red. Even the water temperature is usually between 104 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (40 and 60 Celsius).Īlthough most creatures can’t handle the hot lake water, it’s a perfect environment for a salt-loving microorganism called cyanobacteria. The climate there is so arid that most of the small amount of rain the area receives evaporates before hitting the surface.
It also contains high amounts of sodium carbonate decahydrate called natron, hence the name Lake Natron. Since the water flowing into the lake leaches through the surrounding bedrock that is composed of alkaline, the lake’s water is very salty. Most of its water comes from hot springs and the Southern Ewaso Ng’iro River. It is 35 miles long from north to south, and 14 miles wide.
In northern Tanzania, just next to Kenya, lies the beautiful, and notorious Lake Natron.
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