TOXIC LAKE TURNS ANIMALS INTO STATUES

 

The lake kills the animals and then calcifies them. 

 

In Lake Natron in northern Tanzania water temperatures can reach 60 °C, and  alkalinity is between pH 9 and pH 10.5.

 

The lake takes its name from natron, a naturally occurring compound made mainly of sodium carbonate, with a bit of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) thrown in. This comes from volcanic ash, accumulated from the Great Rift valley. 

 

Photographer Nick Brandt says:  "No one knows for certain exactly how they die, but it appears that the extreme reflective nature of the lake's surface confuses them, and like birds crashing into plate glass windows, they crash into the lake."

 

When salt islands form in the lake, lesser flamingos take the opportunity to nest – but it is a risky business.

 

Read more and see pictures - http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21929360.100-deadly-lake-turns-animals-into-statues.html#.Ukw_mKFraM8

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