Geek out with the latest in science and weather. (Photos courtesy: Nick Brandt/ Hasted Kraeutler Gallery) These birds, along with greater flamingos, nest in the area every year, and it's the red algae they eat that give these birds their vibrant pink colour. The surrounding area receives irregular seasonal rainfall, mainly between December and May totalling 800 mil. According to Brandt's new book, Across the Ravaged Land, Lake Natron in northern Tanzania is a death trap for birds and bats who appear to slam into it due to its surface's extremely reflective nature. Lake Natron is a mysterious lake with red water. The environment supports salt-loving microorganisms and algae, two species of fish known as alkaline tilapia live in the waters near the lake's hot springs, and the lake is the only breeding area in eastern African for the lesser flamingo. The lake is also surrounded by scattered springs, some of which are fresh enough to provide drinking water for many species of animals, large and small. Quickly making their way around the web are these fascinating photos by Nick Brandt that show an eerie lake in Africa turning animals into stone. There are salt marshes and wetlands around the lake's shores.
In fact, whereas a lake that actually petrified anything that came near it or touched the water would likely be a complete dead-zone for birds and animals, life thrives around Lake Natron.
#Natron lake animals skin
The 'stony' look about them just comes from the the salts and sodas in the natron caking onto their skin and feathers. The long-legged waterfowl may flourish, but to any other. However, these animals are simply dying near the lake, their bodies get covered with a layer of natron, which dries them out and preserves them. The temperatures can reach as high as 60 F and due to the high soda and salt content in the water the creatures are calcified and preserved in the lake. 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. But some creatures have evolved amazing adaptations that help them. This is what creates things like petrified wood and dinosaur fossils. With its caustic red waters, Lake Natron doesn’t seem like the ideal place to call home. When a body becomes truly petrified, its cells are slowly replaced over time by rock.
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