Lake Anjikuni: How Did an Entire Village Disappear?.Lake Avernus Mythology, Oracles, and the Underworld.The plant would use the water to extract sodium carbonate and turn it into washing powder that could then be exported out of the country. Recently, a proposed soda ash plant is planning on developing on the shores of the lake. Some are looking to actively take advantage of the extreme alkaline nature of the lake. The area is not formally protected and so whilst there is a plan to mitigate any damages to the area, there is no legislation to enforce this. The salinity balance of the area has increased in recent years due to the logging projects taking place in Natron watersheds as well as the planned hydroelectric power plant that is going to be placed on the river feeding Lake Natron. However, this does not mean that the area is not under threat. There exists some herding and seasonal cultivation. The area surrounding the lake is not inhabited by people. Salt-loving microorganisms can thrive in areas like these, forming a blue-green algae which add to the mysticism of the lake. Dare You Enter the Ploutonion? Gateway to the Underworld at Hierapolisĭespite the high alkaline levels of the lake, there are still some naturally occurring flora.The Secret of Lake Nyos: How Did 1,800 People Die Overnight?.It can burn the skin and eyes of animals that are not acclimatized to it. To put this into perspective the scale only goes from 0 (acidic) to 14 (alkaline), with both extremes being highly hazardous. The PH of the lake thus rises to that greater of 12, similar to that of alkaline bleach or caustic lye. This leaves behind Natron and trona: chemically sodium carbonate decahydrate and sodium sesquicarbonate dihydrate respectively. The highly alkaline water of Lake Natron often appears pink, or at other times blue-green due to extremophile algae blooms (NASA / Public Domain )ĭue to the temperatures getting so high and the lack of rainfall, there are high levels of evaporation. The lake is less than three meters (10 feet) deep and has a varying width depending on the water level. This river rises in Central Kenya and because of this, the water is filled with minerals and is surrounded by hot springs. The lake itself is fed mostly by the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Brandt recorded these in his photos, but it still does not answer why? Here is an explanation. It sounds like something out of an ancient Greek epic, but this place truly exists and does actually turn the wildlife around it to stone. He discovered the lake as a serene place but noticed that all of the creatures surrounding the water were petrified: they had turned to stone. However, it did not come onto the international scene until photographer, Nick Brandt, recorded it for his book on the disappearing wildlife of East Africa. Lake Natron has been recognized as a site wetland of international significance. Another identifier for it is that it is situated in the Gregory Rift which is itself part of the Eastern arm of the East African Rift caused by tectonic plate movement. It is found more specifically, in the Ngorongoro District of the Arusha Region in Tanzania. Lake Natron is an alkaline saltwater lake found in Tanzania.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |