lake natron in tanzania turns animals to stone

Lake Natron, situated in northern Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border, in the Great Rift Valley, is one of the most peaceful places in Africa. The series of eerie photos present the deadly power of Lake Natron in a truly unique way.With high temperatures, the lake turns any animal that decides to take an unpretentious dip into stone. Photographer Nick Brandt has captured pictures of mummified birds and bats that met their fate in the toxic waters of Lake Natron.

It’s often said that the lake turns these unfortunate animals into stones, but in reality, it’s more like a mummification process. Some speculate that the extreme reflective nature of the lake’s surface confuses them, just like a large glass window, causing them to crash into the lake.īecause of the lake’s unique characteristics, animals that die in the water are calcified. That said, no one actually knows for certain exactly how the animals die.

If a creature drinks from the water, it will most probably end up dead as a result of the tremendous damage to the cells, nervous system, and livers. The chemicals in the water burn the skin and the eyes. The alkaline waters of Lake Natron can reach a pH level (a measure of how acidic water is – it ranges from 0 to 14) as high as 12, while life generally prefers a pH level closer to 7. The photosynthesizing pigment in the cyanobacteria colors the deeper parts of the water red, while the shallow parts of the lake take on a more orange blush.Įven though the colorful surface can be very charming, it’s a fatal trap for most animals. It is also responsible for turning the lake red. Even the water temperature is usually between 104 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (40 and 60 Celsius).Īlthough most creatures can’t handle the hot lake water, it’s a perfect environment for a salt-loving microorganism called cyanobacteria. The climate there is so arid that most of the small amount of rain the area receives evaporates before hitting the surface. It also contains high amounts of sodium carbonate decahydrate called natron, hence the name Lake Natron. Since the water flowing into the lake leaches through the surrounding bedrock that is composed of alkaline, the lake’s water is very salty. Most of its water comes from hot springs and the Southern Ewaso Ng’iro River.

It’s 35 miles long from north to south, and 14 miles wide. In northern Tanzania, just next to Kenya, lies the beautiful, and notorious Lake Natron.

Lake natron in tanzania turns animals to stone