When we think of lakes, rivers or water in general, blue and its shades come to our mind. However, there are some lakes whose color is a far cry from what we have ever seen.
1. Lake Hillier, Australia
Lake Hillier is not only one of the most mysterious natural wonders of Australia but of the whole world, thanks to its bubble gum pink color. This salty lake is about 600 meter in diameter, and it is situated at a corner of Middle Island.
In 1950 -ben a team of researchers started a study of the lake to find out the reason for its extraordinary color. They were expecting to find a type of algae that produce a red color material as a result of salt water, which would have explained the color of the lake. Such algae have never been found, so the color of Lake Hillier is still a mystery. Some still claim that algae are the reason; some say that bacteria can be the culprits.
2. Kliluk Lake, Canada
Kliluk Lake, also known as Spotted or Polka Dot Lake is situated near the town Osoyoos in British Columbia, Canada. This lake is a very interesting natural phenomenon: it indeed has an almost polka-dot like pattern and it changes its color as well. The pattern and the coloration are the result of the high mineral content of its water.
The local natives venerate this lake as a holy place, because its water provides a solution to many health problems such as skin diseases and joint pain.
3. Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
Laguna Colorada, or Colored Lagoon has an extraordinary color due to a dye-producing species of algae. The lake is very shallow, and its beauty is unforgettable because of the white salt islands poking out from its water. The uniqueness of this lake is even more pronounced when, from time to time, huge flocks of flamingoes crowd in its water.
4. Keli Mutu, Indonesia
The Keli Mutu crater situated at a 1600 m height contains three lakes, all in different colors. Locals believe that the crater and the lakes were the resting places of their ancestors, and the color of the lakes depends on the mood of the spirits of the ancestors. The elders’ lake, Tiwu Ata Mbupu is blue; it is believed that people who are led here by the spirits have a pure soul. The other two lakes are separated only by a wall. Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai is the lake of young men and girls, and it is green. The third lake is Tiwu Ata Polo, or the Enchanted Lake, and it often takes up a blood-red or black color.
No reliable underwater surveys were ever performed here, but in general the various colors of the lakes are considered to be the result of a fumarole – a crack in the Earth’s crust through which steam and fumes escape to the surface.
5. Grand Prismatic, USA
The giant spring found in Yellowstone National Park is the largest hot spring in the United States, a 91 m wide and 49 m deep hole from which 70 degrees Celsius water bursts to the surface. Its varying color is due to its thermophile bacteria population, which consists of different types in the fall and in the spring. The lake changes its color according to the changing bacteria population: it either sports orange and red hues or emerald green and turquoise tones.