There Are Pink Lakes

While it might look like a surreal art installation, the bubblegum-pink hue of lakes like Lake Hillier is a completely natural phenomenon. Nestled on Middle Island off the coast of Western Australia, the lake's vibrant color creates a stunning contrast (Review) against the deep green of the surrounding forest and the brilliant blue of the Southern Ocean. This striking coloration is not a trick of the light or a result of minerals in the lakebed; it is the product of a unique and thriving microscopic ecosystem.

The secret to the pink water lies in its extremely high salt content, which creates an environment where few organisms can survive. However, this harsh habitat is perfect for a specific type of micro-algae called Dunaliella salina and reddish microorganisms known as halobacteria. To protect itself from the intense salinity and sunlight, the Dunaliella salina produces vast amounts of beta-carotene, the same red-orange pigment that gives carrots and sweet potatoes their color. This, combined with the pigments from the halobacteria, dyes the water (Review) its signature pink.

Because the color comes from the microorganisms living in the water, the hue is remarkably stable. Unlike other colored bodies of water where the effect is caused by light reflecting off the bottom, water taken from Lake Hillier remains distinctly pink in any container. While this Australian lake is the most famous example, it is not entirely unique. Other high-salinity lakes around the world, from Senegal to Spain, exhibit the same incredible coloration, each a testament to life's ability to adapt and flourish in the most extreme environments.