Lake Natron: Africa's Deadly Red Lake Turns Animals to 'Stone'

• Lake Natron in northern Tanzania is infamous for its blood-red water and unique chemical composition.
• The lake's high alkalinity (pH 10.5) and mineral richness are due to tectonic activity and volcanic eruptions from Ol Doinyo Lengai.
• Haloarchaea and cyanobacteria thrive in the alkaline environment, giving the water its vibrant red, orange, and pink hues.
• Animals entering the corrosive water suffer severe irritation, dehydration, and muscle corrosion, leading to death.
• Sodium carbonate in the water preserves animal bodies, mummifying them into stone-like remains on the shore.