The Bizarre Transformation of Animals at Lake Natron

Lake Natron, located in northern Tanzania, is known for its unique environment that has been dubbed as a 'petrifying lake' due to its ability to turn animals into stone-like structures. But what makes this lake so special? And why do the bodies of creatures that inhabit or visit the lake undergo such an extraordinary transformation?

The answer lies in the lake's chemistry and geology. The surrounding bedrock is composed of alkaline, sodium-dominated trachyte lavas that were laid down during the Pleistocene period. This has resulted in the lake's water having a pH level of greater than 12, making it extremely alkaline. Additionally, high levels of evaporation have left behind Natron (sodium carbonate dehydrate) and trona (sodium esquire carbonate dehydrate), which further contribute to the lake's unusual properties.

The temperatures at Lake Natron are often above 40°C (104°F), with irregular seasonal rainfall occurring mainly between December and May, totaling around 800 millimeters (31 in) per year. The lake itself is relatively shallow, measuring less than three meters (9.8 ft) deep, and its width varies depending on the water level.

Despite these conditions, Lake Natron is home to a diverse range of animals, including birds, bats, and even small mammals like rodents and hares. However, due to the lake's unique chemistry, any creature that dies in or near the lake becomes mummified, with its body turning into a stone-like structure over time.

The process is believed to occur due to the high concentration of sodium carbonate in the water, which dehydrates the skin and internal organs of the deceased animal. This causes the flesh to dry out and calcify, effectively 'petrifying' the animal's remains.

Lake Natron has been an important site for scientists studying the evolution of early hominins, with ancient fossils found in the southern part of the Gregory Rift. The rift itself is being caused by the separation of the Somali plate from the Nubian plate, driven by a thermal plume.

The lake is also located within the Lake Natron Basin, a Ramsar Site wetland of international significance. This designation recognizes the basin's importance as a habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

In conclusion, Lake Natron's unique chemistry and geology make it a fascinating and bizarre environment that has been dubbed as a 'petrifying lake.' While it may seem like a strange place to find animals turned into stone-like structures, this phenomenon is actually a natural process that occurs due to the lake's alkaline properties.

Lake natron animals turn to stone