The name Lake Natron is derived from a mineral that causes its high alkalinity. With a pH of around 9-10.5 and water temperatures that can reach 140°F (60°C), the alkalinity of Lake Natron, with a pH of up to 10.5, can burn the skin and eyes of organisms that are not adapted to it.

The creatures were petrified because the lake water was too salty and highly alkaline.

Swifts with calcification

The lake's alkaline water is due to the amount of sodium carbonate and other minerals that flow into it from the surrounding hills. And the sodium carbonate deposits, once used for embalming in ancient Egypt, also act as an effective preservative for animals that died from poisoning by the lake's water.

BirdSThe song is calcified.

It is believed that Lake Natron is not an ideal home for animals. Any unfortunate animal can turn to stone and die instantly upon contact with the lake's water. Studies suggest that the chemical combination of substances in the lake's water is the cause of the petrification of creatures that fall into the lake.

A bat that has become calcified.

In fact, the alkalinity of Lake Natron has supported the abundant ecosystem of salt marshes and the organisms that live there. A few species fortunate enough to survive in Natron include some endemic algae, bacteria, and flamingos. During the mating season, more than 2 million medium-sized flamingos use this shallow lake as their primary breeding ground in Europe. Flamingo nests are built on small islands that emerge in the middle of the lake during the dry season.

NextheOn the shores of Lake Natron, photographer Nick Brandt captured eerie images of this mysterious lake. His photographic concept involved collecting the creatures he found on the riverbanks, then placing them in "living" positions, returning them to their original way of life. During the photography process, if he carelessly left the camera film exposed, it would dry out and curl up in less than a minute.

Besides the gruesome phenomenon of animal decomposition, Lake Natron also possesses a mystical beauty with its vibrant, blood-red color created by special bacteria. The temperature in the lake area is quite high, and the high salt concentration makes the air dry and hot, causing visitors to easily become dehydrated. Therefore, Lake Natron is considered unsuitable for life.

The Thanh