Lake Natron
This relatively small lake is locating in Tanzania just south of the Kenyan border. Lake Natron has the unique feature of being a rusty red and the world's most corrosive body of water. The corrosive nature of the lake comes from volcanic ash originating in the Great Rift Valley. During the dry season, alkalinity in parts of the lake can be close to ammonia. The color comes from microorganisms that because of their salt preferences thrive in the alkaline waters. In addition to its corrosive pH, Lake Natron is inhospitable to most species because of its extreme temperature which can read 60 degree Celsius. The lake is heated by an underground heat source.
The Lake Natron Soda Cichlid (Alcolapia alcalicus) is endemic to the lake. This cichlid live in the shores, alkaline springs and lagoons. Rift Valley Flamingos use this lake as a breeding ground.
This relatively small lake is locating in Tanzania just south of the Kenyan border. Lake Natron has the unique feature of being a rusty red and the world's most corrosive body of water. The corrosive nature of the lake comes from volcanic ash originating in the Great Rift Valley. During the dry season, alkalinity in parts of the lake can be close to ammonia. The color comes from microorganisms that because of their salt preferences thrive in the alkaline waters. In addition to its corrosive pH, Lake Natron is inhospitable to most species because of its extreme temperature which can read 60 degree Celsius. The lake is heated by an underground heat source.
The Lake Natron Soda Cichlid (Alcolapia alcalicus) is endemic to the lake. This cichlid live in the shores, alkaline springs and lagoons. Rift Valley Flamingos use this lake as a breeding ground.
