There Is a Lake That Turns Animals to Stone

The extreme conditions of Lake Natron in Tanzania are the result of a unique geological setting. Located in the East African Rift Valley, the lake is fed by rivers and hot springs that are rich in minerals from the surrounding volcanic landscape. A key contributor is the nearby Ol Doinyo Lengai, the world's only active volcano that erupts a special type of lava called carbonatite, which is laden with sodium carbonate. Because the lake has no outlets, intense evaporation in the hot climate concentrates these salts, creating a caustic, alkaline brine with a pH level that can exceed 12, similar to ammonia or household bleach (Review).

This high concentration of sodium carbonate and other minerals is responsible for the startling preservation of animals that perish in its waters. The chemical composition essentially mummifies the bodies, leaving them calcified and stone-like. It is a common misconception that living animals are turned to stone upon contact; rather, the process preserves those that have died. Many of the preserved animals are birds, which can be deceived by the lake's highly reflective surface, causing them to crash into the water (Review).

Despite its deadly reputation, Lake Natron is a critical habitat and the world's most important breeding site for millions of lesser flamingos. The harsh, predator (Review)-free environment provides a safe haven for them to build their nests and raise their young. These birds have adapted with tough, scaly legs that protect them from burns. They feed on the spirulina algae that flourishes in the alkaline water, which not only provides sustenance but also gives the flamingos their characteristic pink hue and can color the lake a surreal red.