Regardless, Lake Natron is the foundation for both important species and scientific study, so there is much to lose if people begin to mistreat it. Threats to divert nearby rivers into Lake Natron would change its water composition, thereby putting the lake’s wildlife at high risk.Īt first glance, Lake Natron appears to be both an example of life imitating art and life imitating horror. Although a nontraditional ecosystem, Lake Natron’s niche wildlife web requires balance like any other. Nearly 2.5 million flamingos use the lake’s shores as breeding grounds each year, accompanied by thriving algae and a single resilient species of fish. However, to say that the lake is completely absent of life is an act of injustice toward the flocks of flamingos that call the lake their home. Brandt suspects that the reflective surface of the lake tricks birds into believing it’s open air, leading the birds to drown in the deadly water. He perches the birds on branches and poses the bats in order to make them look “alive.” With the help of locals, Brandt collected the best specimens and masterfully crafted chilling portraits of the fallen animals. Nature photographer Nick Brandt chose to turn this site into a fascinating art project. Scientists explain that the high salinity of the lake “freezes” the animals, perfectly preserving them with all of their wings and feathers in place. Long lines of dead birds and bats cover the shoreline, with each specimen preserved in a stonelike state. In addition, a peculiar site is found at the shores of the lake. Lake Natron can also reach a steamy state, with the water’s temperature recorded to reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The water in this lake only flows inward, so evaporation leaves behind hefty salt deposits. This causes the lake’s pH level to be a very basic 10.5 this pH level falls only a bit short of that of ammonia and bleach. The deposits of natron, a chemical salt, flow in from the surrounding hills. Lake Natron is a salt lake, meaning it is incredibly alkaline. Although often photographed for its location under sunlit clouds and for its serene backdrop, the lake is an abyss for almost all wildlife. Lake Natron sits along the East African Rift System in northern Tanzania, and is 35 miles long and about half as wide. For instance, in the East African nation of Tanzania lies the deadly Lake Natron. The only ones who are able to build upon the waters of Lake Natron are a group of 2.5 million pink flamingos, which thanks to a protective layer on their legs. Nonetheless, the complexity of nature has created exceptions to this rule. Water itself stands as a symbol of life ancient Egypt thrived due to fertile soil that would have been absent had it not been for the Nile River. Lakes and rivers are often credited in many civilizations’ lengthy histories for providing a means of transportation and crucial food security. The long-legged waterfowl may flourish, but to any other. Then, just as happened with organs during mummification, the natron preserves the remains of animals brave enough to dive into the lake.In nearly any social studies class, bodies of water are framed as life-giving and as focal points for the world’s nations. 2, 2013, 8:49 PM UTC By Nidhi Subbaraman The Rift Valley's Lake Natron is the chosen mating ground of the endangered lesser flamingo. When the lava's natrocarbonatites mix with rainwater, they run into the lake, where they spike the lake's salinity. Ol Doinyo Lengai has erupted at least eight times since measurements were first recorded in 1883, and lava has been flowing since the 2007 eruption. In other words, it's much saltier than the more common silicate-rich lava. In spite of its deadly nature, the lake is known to be hospitable to a few of the world’s endemic species. Ol Doinyo Lengai is the only volcano on the planet that spits out natrocarbonatite lava, which is rich in sodium and potassium carbonates, nyerereite and gregoryite. Natron made its way to the lake through volcanic ash from Ol Doinyo Lengai, a Rift Valley volcano just south of the lake. Records show that ancient Egyptians used this natural salt to dry out organs during the mummification process. Lake Natron takes its name from natron, a mineral often referred to as sodium carbonate decahydrate. But as Brandt's photos show, even the flamingoes sometimes fall victim to the lake. Salt islands within the 12-by-30 mile lake are actually the only breeding ground used by lesser flamingoes ( Hoenicopterus minor). Go to Introduction The Mystery Story of the Lake Is Lake Natron Suitable For Animals A Flamingo Paradise Can Humans Survive the Lake’s Ability of Calcification Lake Natron Under Threat References: Introduction Lake Natron, found in a dry, northern part of Tanzania, is like no other lake you’ve ever seen or heard about. Other species are able to survive as long as they do not completely submerge.
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