Lake Natron is named after a mineral that causes the high alkalinity in Lake Natron. With a pH of about 9 - 10.5 and water temperatures that can reach 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). The alkalinity in Lake Natron has a pH of up to 10.5; it can burn the skin and eyes of creatures that are not adapted to it.
Creatures were petrified because the lake water was too salty and alkaline.
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Calcified swiftlet
The water is alkaline due to the sodium carbonate and other minerals that flow into the lake from the surrounding hills. And the sodium carbonate sediment, once used for mummification in ancient Egypt, also turns into an effective preservative for animals killed by the lake's water.
BirdScalcified gallbladder
It is believed that Lake Natron is not an ideal home for animals. Any unfortunate animal can turn to stone and die immediately after contact with the lake water. According to research, the chemical combination of chemicals in the lake water is the cause of petrifying creatures that fall into the lake.
A calcified bat
In fact, the alkalinity of Lake Natron supports a rich ecosystem of salt marshes and the creatures that inhabit them. The few lucky creatures that survive in Natron are a few endemic algae, bacteria, and flamingos. During mating season, more than 2 million medium-sized flamingos use this shallow lake as Europe’s main breeding ground. Flamingos nest on small islands that emerge during the dry season.
NextcOn the shores of Lake Natron, photographer Nick Brandt captured terrifying images of this mysterious lake. His idea for taking photos was to pick up creatures he found on the riverbank, then place them in “living” positions, bringing them back to life as they once had. During the photo shoot, if you accidentally expose the camera film rolls, in less than a minute the film rolls will dry out.
In addition to the gruesome phenomenon of animal decomposition, Lake Natron also has a magical beauty with a bright red color like blood created by special bacteria. The temperature in the lake area is quite high, and there is always a high concentration of salt, making the air here both dry and hot, making visitors easily dehydrated. Therefore, Lake Natron is considered unsuitable for life.
