Westgate Park lake turns bright pink, Australia
A salt lake in Westgate Park, just off the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne's center, Australia has turned a brilliant, bright pink a few days ago, delighting locals.
Parks Victoria said this is a natural phenomenon in response to very high salt levels, high temperatures, sunlight and lack of rainfall.
Algae growing in the salt crust at the bottom of the lake produces the red pigment (beta carotene) as part of its photosynthesis process and in response to the extremely high salt levels.
"Enjoy the views, but we recommend you don’t come into contact with the water," they said on March 7, 2017.
The lake is expected to return to its normal color towards winter, when the weather cools and rainfall increases.
Westgate Park's lake has turned pink several times in recent years, including in 2014 and 2015.
Westgate Park lake turns pink, March 2017. Credit: Parks Victoria
Westgate Park lake turns pink, March 2017. Credit: Parks Victoria
Westgate Park lake turns pink, March 2017. Credit: Parks Victoria
Featured image: Westgate Park lake turns pink, March 2017. Credit: Parks Victoria
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This is “normal”?????? OMG, since when do lakes turn colors like this from lack of rain, high salt content, and whatever else is said? If I am wrong to call this insanity BS, then why isn’t the Dead Sea fluorescent pink or green? Why aren’t any other bodies of water seen in these pics fluorescent pink too?
Visitors are ” delighted” to see this?!!!! What is wrong with people?
No way this is normal or from what is said here. Bulls***!!!
Its a mad mad world has never been so true as it is these days!
I miss normal so much, haven’t seen her any where for several years now…….