in northern Tanzania Lake Natron is situated unique.The water in this pond is always warm and quite salty.In the south-east of the lake is a volcano Gela.Natron is located near the Kenya border.Water resources is the river Niro and hot springs rich in minerals.
General characteristics
depth of the lake is constantly changing and is very dependent on the season.The average depth of the reservoir is small - about 3 meters.In the summer, there is a strong evaporation, dramatically increases the concentration of salts and other minerals (especially sodium carbonate).The water temperature can reach 50 ° C mark, and alkalinity ranges from 9 to 10.5.Because of the large variety of biological organisms Natron added to the areas of international importance.
Mysterious red
frightening red can be seen only in those areas of the lake, which has the highest evaporation.Lake Natron is so salty that there is a large amount of cyanobacteria.As a result of photosynthesis, these bacteria blush, and in their places of the most extensive concentration of colored even water.In shallow water has rozovovaty shade.
The climate The climate in the area of the lake is very severe.It's very hot, and the air is too dry and dusty - conditions did not contribute to the tourist trips.The area around the pond is still unsettled, but in recent years there were many around the tourist centers.
Natron - the cradle of civilization?
Thousands of years ago in an area where there is Lake Natron, hominids lived, who are considered ancestors of modern man.Now living near Natrona few tribes Salei kind of Massan.He lives this community by cattle, driving the animals along the lake in search of pasture.To feed, the local natives sell milk, meat and blood of animals.
Quiet Harbor Flamingo
Lake Natron in Tanzania - is the habitat of a rare species of small flamingos.This type of bird is found only in the area of the reservoir.The pond has become a favorite place for flamingos reason: its rich soda water scare her pungent odor of predators, allowing the birds to feel safe.In the midst of the season to create offspring here fly about two million pink flamingos.In 1962, as a result of heavy rains flooding occurred here, it was eventually destroyed about a million eggs flamingos.
Lake Natron statues
couple of years ago, I visited the lake a popular photographer Nick Brandt.He was horrified when he saw across the pond creepy statue of fossilized animals.Brand later learned that it was actually real animals, petrified as a result of strong alkaline concentration in soda.
Nick Brandt suggested that a mirror image in the water knocks the birds confused, and they throw themselves into it and die.However, scientists do not share the opinion of the photographer and put forward a more realistic theory.They believe that the birds actually die a natural death, and the water in the lake washes their remains.Since Natron is very rich in mineral salts, dead animals harden and remain so forever.
In fact, the Brand has already found them dead in the water and he planted them as if they were frozen on a branch, or "float" on the water.These gloomy pictures spread all over the world and the Lake Natron made even more famous.
These shocking images calcified animals and many other photos taken in Tanzania and elsewhere in Africa, Nick Brand included in his book, which is dedicated to the tormented Earth.
recreational opportunities and environmental problems in the region
On adjacent to Lakeland Square are two permanent luxury campsite and several mobile adventure camps.One of the camps is in the valley, with spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.Here, you can hunt for mountain buffalo, gerenuk, oryx, lion, hyena, white antelope, zebra, leopard, caracal and other animals.If the killing of animals - this is not for you, then you can go on a photo safari.
Until recent decades, Lake Natron (photo pond really shocking) remained area with a unique ecosystem.Now, however, the Government of Tanzania intends to build a factory on the banks for the extraction of soda ash, and river Niro plans to build a hydroelectric power station.If the authorities' plans are implemented, it will lead to a breach of an imbalance of flora and fauna in the lake.Many public organizations have already expressed their protest against the government's intentions in the region to build industrial facilities.Today is not so clear, is still carried out the construction or not.And yet, it is hoped that the natural resources will be for the government of Tanzania higher priority than economic benefits.
