Pink Lakes in Planet Earth

You are probably wondering if these images are Photoshopped. They aren’t. Pink lakes may be anomalies but you can find them on almost every continent. As of now, scientists have recorded 49 on our planet. They vary in hue, ranging from the color of bubblegum to bright crimson. Although they are similar in appearance, the three pink lakes featured here tell their own stories…

Dusty Rose Lake, Canada

Isolated in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, British Columbia is Dusty Rose Lake. It lies 2,000m above sea level on Thunder Mountain’s east side and is the only freshwater pink lake in the world.

It is anoxic rather than saline. This complete lack of oxygen does not allow life to survive, including microorganisms and extremophiles. Some theorize that its Pepto Bismol pink color comes from dissolved rock flour from glacial runoff and the purplish-pink rocks of the mountain.

Lake Hillier, Australia

Lake Hillier is probably the most famous and photographed pink lake in the world. It contrasts sharply with the surrounding dark green forest and the dark blue Pacific Ocean. Explorer Matthew Flinders first discovered it in 1802. He named it Lake Hillier, after crew member William Hillier, who became ill and died on the expedition.

It sits on Middle Island in Western Australia and measures 600m long and 250m wide. It is highly saline and gets its bright bubblegum color from interactions between different halophiles in the water and salt-crusted shoreline. 

Laguna Colorado, Bolivia

Laguna Colorada is often referred to as the Red Lagoon of Bolivia. The lake is a shallow salt lake at an altitude of 14,000 feet within Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. Dotted with white islands of massive borax deposits, the nearly 15,000-acre salt lake is less than 3 feet deep. The pink-reddish color is due to a variety of algae. Most of the surrounding landscape is desert rocks and salt deposits. The iconic salt flats of Salar De Uyuni are not far.

Read More: https://www.explore.com/water/most-spectacular-pink-lakes-world/

Masazır Pink Lake, Azerbaijan

Nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of Azerbaijan lies Masazir Pink Lake, a hidden gem that enchants visitors with its tranquility and picturesque surroundings. 

Why is it pink? You might ask, and we have a scintifically accurate answer ready for you. There are several reasons for that and they each play a huge role. Masazir Lake is pink due to the presence of halophilic algae, the high salinity of the water, and the shallow depth of the lake. Let's talk about each of them a little:

• Halophilic algae are algae that thrive in salty environments. They produce a reddish pigment called carotenoid, which gives Masazir Lake its pink color.

• The high salinity of Masazir Lake makes it difficult for other types of algae and plants to survive, which allows the halophilic algae to thrive.

• The shallow depth of Masazir Lake allows the sunlight to reach the bottom of the lake, which helps the halophilic algae to grow.

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Masazir Lake indeed truly is a captivating natural wonder with its serene atmosphere and the stunning hues it displays during sunrise and sunset. The ever-changing colors of the lake, ranging from maroon and burgundy to bright pink, create a mesmerizing and almost magical ambiance for visitors. It's not just the lake itself, but even the sand on the nearby beach adds to the overall beauty with its light pink hue. 

It has long served as a hub for salt mining, dating back many decades. Even before the industrialization of salt extraction, the inhabitants of nearby coastal villages earned their livelihoods by harvesting salt from the lake's waters. Additionally, many people have attested to its therapeutic properties, sharing stories of how bathing in the lake helped alleviate issues such as sore legs or headaches.

Masazir Lake stands as a testament to Azerbaijan's diverse natural beauty, offering visitors a serene and enchanting experience. Whether you seek an escape from the city or a chance to explore the area's wildlife and biodiversity, this hidden gem will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. So, if you find yourself in Azerbaijan, do not miss the opportunity to discover the tranquility and beauty of Masazir.