![]() ![]() For starters, it provides a large breeding ground for the lesser flamingo. Lake Natron is important for several reasons despite its unfavorable conditions. These include fish such as the white-lipped or alkaline tilapia (Oreochromia alcalicus) that live on the edges of the hot spring inlets, some species of algae, and most notably the lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) for which it provides one of the largest breeding grounds on the continent. The lake is not truly lifeless as it supports a variety of organisms. However, these might just be the unlucky animals that might have fallen victim to some of the harsh conditions of the lake. The animals’ remains had chalky sodium carbonate deposited surrounding their bodies. The book shows pictures of the remains of flamingos and other animals that have been calcified. A recent book by photographer Nick Brandt, titled “Across the Ravaged Land” may depict Lake Natron as a toxic place where things go to die, and nothing lives there. These high temperatures, coupled with very variable salt content, the lake does not support much wildlife. The lake’s temperatures can be said to reach up to 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit)! Aside from the temperatures, the pH levels of the lake can reach 10, which is very alkaline. Is it really lifeless?įor evaporation to occur, very high temperatures are required. The salt crust on the lake’s surface at times is crimson-colored because of the same salt-loving organisms. ![]() This is what gives the deep red color of the open waters and the orange color of the shallow parts of the lake. Cyanobacteria use photosynthesis to make their food like green plants do, but their photosynthesizing pigment is not green. This causes the salinity levels to increase, and salt-loving microorganisms such as cyanobacteria begin to thrive. In the dry seasons, as the water evaporates, sodium carbonate decahydrate and sodium sesquicarbonate (trona) are left behind. ![]() Lake Natron is fed by the Southern Ewaso Nyiro River and by mineral-rich hot springs. It is because of the evaporation that the lake gets its characteristic crimson color. The only way water leaves closed lakes is by evaporation. Lake Natron is a closed lake, meaning that even though they are fed by water from various sources, the water that drains into the lake does not drain out. The crimson color of Lake Natron is not the stuff of nightmares but is actually quite scientifically explainable. It is not a very deep lake and only reaches depths of three meters (9.8 feet), which is very shallow compared to other lakes in the Eastern Rift Valley, such as Lake Tanganyika, estimated to be about five hundred and seventy meters (1,890 feet) deep. Lake Natron measures 56 km (35 miles) long and 24 km (15 miles) wide. Another interesting fact about Lake Natron’s location is that it sits at the lowest point of the rift valley, which is 600 metres above sea level. Lake Natron is accessible from Tanzania but can also be accessed through Shompole Wilderness in Kenya, which in itself is a lovely site to visit. Lake Natron is also bordered by other tourist destinations such as the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands to the south, the famous Serengeti Plains that lie to the west, and a volcanic mountain, Ol Doinyo Lengai. The lake is close to one of Tanzania’s larger towns, Arusha. Lake Natron is a boundary lake and lies at the border of Kenya and Tanzania, in the northern part of the latter. It is even stated to turn animals to stone, yikes! Despite this lifeless connotation, the lake supports one of Africa’s most beautiful birds, the lesser flamingo, which relies a lot on the lake as a breeding ground. This lake has several striking features from its composition, formation and the conditions which give it a red-like color and make it almost entirely inhospitable to several life forms. One of the most notable lakes in this area is Lake Natron, in East Africa. In it, there are lakes, hot springs, rivers, and mountains. It spans vast lengths and goes through several countries, from southwest Asia to East Africa. The Great Rift Valley is one of the earth’s greatest physical features. ![]()
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