Astonishing facts of Lake Natron

 It's an alkaline lake found in Arusha Tanzania. It's also a rich mineral soda lake and a breeding ground for thousands of lesser flamingos. What's so astonishing about lake Natron is the images of birds that were turned to stones many years ago. This is due to the alkalinity of the water which it's pH is said to be 10.5. The pH is so high such that it can burn the skin and and eyes of animals that are not adapted to it. The high alkalinity is contributed by the sodium carbonates and other minerals that flow into the lake from surrounding hills. The sodium carbonate was used by Egyptians to preserve mummies as it was so effective and this explains more of it's corrosive effects.It's so hard for animals to get into the water and come out alive. Another surprising thing is that besides the lake alkalinity, lake Natron is where 75 percent of lesser flamingos are born. Flamingos have evolved a leathery skin on their legs so as to tolerate the salty water. 

On the other hand, humans cannot and would die if their legs if their legs were exposed for any length of time.

The unique colour comes from cyanobacteria that photosynthesize into bright red and orange hues as the water evaporates and salinity rises; before that process occurs during the dry season , the lake is blue.