If a creature drinks from the water, it will most probably end up dead as a result of the tremendous damage to the cells, nervous system, and livers. The chemicals in the water burn the skin and the eyes. The alkaline waters of Lake Natron can reach a pH level (a measure of how acidic water is – it ranges from 0 to 14) as high as 12, while life generally prefers a pH level closer to 7. 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’s 35 miles long from north to south, and 14 miles wide.
Watch the thousands of flamingoes feeding, courting, and preening in impeccable silence and calm.In northern Tanzania, just next to Kenya, lies the beautiful, and notorious Lake Natron. Take a long walk out to into the lake shallows to get close to flamingoes. On a 3 day safari to Lengai and Natron, have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to climb an active volcano in under 24 hours – summiting at daybreak to see an unbelievable view of the mouth of the volcano and the many craters in the verdant landscape below. Those who have ventured to this other-worldly refuge often say that this destination left them with the most memorable impressions. The volcanic mountain continues to spew out ash, slow moving black lava, and a thunderous rumble. The alkaline soda lake is home to millions of flamingos, transforming the entire lake landscape into a bizarre myriad of pink. Heated by hotspring inlets from underground, record temperatures in the lake have hit 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Farenheit). The conic shaped active volcano is an ancient site responsible for the unusual geographic formations nearby – such as one of the most caustic lakes in the world, Lake Natron. Oldonyo Lengai, the Mountain of God in the Masaai tradition, cannot be done justice in words.
0 kommentar(er)
