While visiting a foreign country, you hear locals talking about a nearby lake. Intrigued, you decide to go for a swim. However, when you arrive, you notice something unusual.
The lake is pink, not just reflecting the colors of the sunset, but resembling a strawberry milkshake. What could be the reason behind this?
Pink lakes are not an illusion. They are natural wonders found in various countries around the world. Let’s take a closer look at what gives these lakes their distinct hue.
Some of the most famous pink lakes include Lake Koyashskoe in Ukraine, Lake Natron in Tanzania, Masazir Lake in Azerbaijan, and Lake Retba in Senegal. Australia is also home to multiple pink lakes, such as Lake Hillier, Pink Lake, and Hutt Lagoon. Even the northern half of Utah’s Great Salt Lake often displays a color that falls somewhere between pink and deep red.
If we compare all of these lakes, we would find a common factor: they are salt lakes. Scientists believe that the high salinity of these lakes contributes to their unique coloring.
Although the exact cause of each lake’s pink color hasn’t been definitively determined, scientists have come up with a couple of theories. They believe that the high salinity of these lakes creates harsh conditions that only allow a select few microbes to grow and thrive.
For example, in many pink lakes, the only type of microbe that can survive and thrive is a specific type of halophile micro-algae called Dunaliella salina. In conditions with sufficient light, heat, and salinity levels higher than that of sea water, these microbes produce and accumulate carotenoids, such as beta carotene. The color of these carotenoids gives these algae, and the water they inhabit, their characteristic pink hue.
Other scientists have discovered that pink lakes may also get their color from tiny microbes known as halobacteria. Halobacteria obtain their rosy pigmentation from a protein called bacteriorhodopsin, which they use to absorb energy from the Sun, similar to how plants use green chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
If you ever come across a pink lake, you might think that your eyes are playing tricks on you. However, it is not an optical illusion. If you collect water from the lake in a plastic bottle, you will observe that the water in the bottle has the same pink color.
While swimming in a pink lake is perfectly safe, it is not advisable to drink the water. Due to its high salt content, the taste is not very pleasant if accidentally swallowed!
Give It a Try
We hope this Wonder of the Day wasn’t too salty! Ask a friend or family member to join you in exploring the following activities:
Have you ever visited Australia? The country “Down Under” showcases numerous captivating attractions, one of which is Pink Lake in Western Australia. Click on the link to discover more about this extraordinary region. Perhaps you could include it in your future travel plans!
If you have never witnessed a pink lake in person, there are several locations worldwide that you can visit someday. Explore the top 10 Pink Lakes in the World online to gather more information about the pink lakes that might be situated near your vicinity!
If this particular Wonder of the Day has left you puzzled and curious about the true nature of algae, head over to the Children’s University of Manchester website to learn fascinating facts about micro-organisms like algae!
Sources of Wonder
- https://weather.com/science/nature/news/whats-turning-these-lakes-pink-photos-20130701
- http://www.theworldgeography.com/2012/11/pink-lakes.html
- http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/blogs/why-are-salt-lakes-pink
- http://www.dogonews.com/2012/6/7/the-secret-behind-senegals-pink-lake
- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2344399/The-bizarre-PINK-lakes-world-look-like-milkshakes-freak-nature.html
- http://www.amusingplanet.com/2013/03/pink-lake-hillier-in-australia.html
FAQ
1. Why are some lakes pink?
Some lakes appear pink due to the presence of certain types of algae or bacteria. One of the most famous pink lakes is Lake Hillier in Western Australia. The lake’s pink color is caused by a type of algae called Dunaliella salina. This algae produces a pigment that gives the water its distinct pink hue. Another example is Lake Retba in Senegal, which gets its pink color from a type of bacteria called Dunaliella salina as well. These microorganisms thrive in high-salt environments and produce pigments as a protective mechanism against the intense sunlight. While the exact reason for the pink color may vary from lake to lake, it is generally attributed to the presence of these microscopic organisms.
2. Are pink lakes safe to swim in?
In most cases, pink lakes are safe to swim in. The pink color is often caused by harmless algae or bacteria that do not pose any health risks to humans. However, it is important to note that not all pink lakes are suitable for swimming. Some lakes may have high salt or mineral concentrations, which can cause skin irritation or other discomfort. It is always recommended to check local guidelines and warnings before swimming in any natural body of water, including pink lakes.
3. Can the pink color of a lake change over time?
Yes, the pink color of a lake can change over time. The intensity of the pink color can vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature, sunlight, and the concentration of algae or bacteria. Factors like rainfall and changes in the lake’s ecosystem can also impact the color. For example, if the population of algae or bacteria decreases, the lake may appear less pink. Similarly, if there is an increase in these microorganisms, the lake’s color may become more vibrant. Therefore, the pink color of a lake is not always consistent and can evolve over time.
4. Are there other natural phenomena that can cause unusual colors in lakes?
Yes, there are other natural phenomena that can cause unusual colors in lakes. Apart from pink, lakes can also appear green, blue, red, or even purple. These colors can be the result of various factors such as the presence of specific minerals, sediments, or even the reflection of the surrounding landscape. For example, lakes with high concentrations of minerals like copper or iron can appear green or blue. Additionally, the presence of certain types of bacteria or algae can give lakes a red or purple color. Each color phenomenon in lakes is unique and influenced by different natural elements.
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