The water in this lake only flows inward, so evaporation leaves behind hefty salt deposits. This causes the lake’s pH level to be a very basic 10.5 this pH level falls only a bit short of that of ammonia and bleach. The deposits of natron, a chemical salt, flow in from the surrounding hills. Lake Natron is a salt lake, meaning it is incredibly alkaline. Although often photographed for its location under sunlit clouds and for its serene backdrop, the lake is an abyss for almost all wildlife. Lake Natron sits along the East African Rift System in northern Tanzania, and is 35 miles long and about half as wide. For instance, in the East African nation of Tanzania lies the deadly Lake Natron.

Nonetheless, the complexity of nature has created exceptions to this rule. Water itself stands as a symbol of life ancient Egypt thrived due to fertile soil that would have been absent had it not been for the Nile River. Lakes and rivers are often credited in many civilizations’ lengthy histories for providing a means of transportation and crucial food security. In nearly any social studies class, bodies of water are framed as life-giving and as focal points for the world’s nations.

What is natron salt