Testing Waters
The Earth is filled with many natural wonders that we sometimes have to see to believe. Can you imagine a pink lake? What about a lake in a volcano? Unravel the following images to see a few of these unique water bodies.
1. Caño Cristales – Columbia
This river is commonly called the ‘River of Five Colours’ or the ‘Liquid Rainbow’, and is even referred to as one of the most beautiful rivers in the world due to its striking colours. During a brief period between September and November, this river changes from ordinary clear water to a rainbow of colour. The vivid hues of red, blue, green and orange are caused by a plant, Macarenia clavigera, blooming in the water – as well as mosses and algae.
2. Kelimutu Crater Lakes – Indonesia
Atop the Kelimutu volcano in Indonesia lie three crater lakes, each a different colour. They change their colours periodically, ranging from blue to green, red, black, and even chocolate brown or white. The three lakes have different temperatures and chemical compositions.
3. Lake Hillier – Australia
This lake is located on Middle Island, off the coast of Western Australia. It is famous for its bubblegum pink colour. The vibrant colour is permanent, and does not alter when the water is taken in a container.
4. Pamukkale Travertine Terraces – Turkey
Turquoise pools of water fill up limestone terraces, which were once deposited by flowing, mineral-rich hot springs. Also called the Cotton Castle, the Pamukkale terraces lie next to the ancient Roman city of Hieropolis. Together, the terraces and city are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Grand Prismatic Spring – USA
It is located in Yellowstone National Park and is the third largest hot spring in the world. The mineral-rich pool has concentric bands of vibrant colours due to different sets of heat-loving pigmented bacteria in each band. The brilliant blue central part is extremely hot with temperatures reaching up to 87°C.
Image Credits: Caño Cristales- By Mario Carvajal – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27473132
Grand Prismatic Spring- By Clément Bardot – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27669807