Where do cyanobacteria create the pink lakes of Western Australia?
Quick Answer
The vivid pink lakes are found in places such as Hutt Lagoon and Lake Hillier in Western Australia. Their color is linked to salt-loving microorganisms, including cyanobacteria and algae.
The Full Story
Some of Western Australia’s pink lakes, including Hutt Lagoon and Lake Hillier, owe their color to salt-tolerant microorganisms. These hypersaline waters can contain cyanobacteria and algae that produce pigments, especially under the right balance of salinity, sunlight, and temperature. Lake Hillier is on Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago, while Hutt Lagoon lies near Port Gregory on the Coral Coast. The exact shade can vary with the season and environmental conditions. Such lakes are popular examples of how microbes can alter the appearance of landscapes.
Key Facts
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"A lake so pink it looks unreal — and microbes are the reason."
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