Justdroppedin
05-14-2024, 11:19 AM
The lake, a branch of the Rania River in northeastern Iraq's Sulaymaniyah Governorate, boasts a depth of around 27 meters and a width of about 370 meters.
At roughly 5,000 years old, the lake formed naturally, untouched by human influence, within the ancient archaeological areas of the city. It emits an odor reminiscent of eggs.
Rare animals on the brink of extinction worldwide inhabit the lake, including certain turtle species, along with minuscule fish and worms not found elsewhere.
The lake's unique color change is attributed to purple sulfur bacteria, which thrive in sulfur-rich environments, performing photosynthesis without oxygen. These bacteria reside at the water's bottom and in hot sulfur springs, enduring high temperatures.
They impart a purple hue to the water body, with color intensity varying based on factors such as organic matter concentration, bacterial growth, temperature, salt percentage encouraging other color-changing bacteria, and even viewing angle.
https://i.redd.it/7mosm2e7l70d1.jpeg
At roughly 5,000 years old, the lake formed naturally, untouched by human influence, within the ancient archaeological areas of the city. It emits an odor reminiscent of eggs.
Rare animals on the brink of extinction worldwide inhabit the lake, including certain turtle species, along with minuscule fish and worms not found elsewhere.
The lake's unique color change is attributed to purple sulfur bacteria, which thrive in sulfur-rich environments, performing photosynthesis without oxygen. These bacteria reside at the water's bottom and in hot sulfur springs, enduring high temperatures.
They impart a purple hue to the water body, with color intensity varying based on factors such as organic matter concentration, bacterial growth, temperature, salt percentage encouraging other color-changing bacteria, and even viewing angle.
https://i.redd.it/7mosm2e7l70d1.jpeg