WHAT IF YOU YOU FELL INTO LAKE NATRON

# **What If You Fell Into Lake Natron?**

Have you ever heard of Medusa—the mythical Gorgon from Greek legend whose gaze could turn people to stone? While she may be a work of fiction, there exists a real-world location capable of something eerily similar. Welcome to **Lake Natron**, a body of water so extreme that it can preserve animals in a near-stone-like state.

But what exactly makes Lake Natron so dangerous? What kind of life exists in its harsh environment? And most importantly, would you be able to survive if you accidentally fell in?

### **What Is Lake Natron?**

Before we take the plunge, let's examine what makes Lake Natron so unique. Located in Tanzania, this lake is similar to the **Dead Sea** in one crucial way—it doesn’t drain into any rivers or oceans. Instead, it accumulates minerals and salts from surrounding sources, making its waters highly alkaline. However, the real danger comes from its **close proximity to an active volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai**.

This volcano regularly releases **a rare type of lava** that is rich in **sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate**. These minerals, collectively known as **natron**, dissolve into the lake, creating an environment that is incredibly hostile to most forms of life. Interestingly, these same compounds were once used by the ancient Egyptians for **mummification**, meaning Lake Natron acts as a natural preservative.

### **A Deadly Chemical Cocktail**

To understand why Lake Natron is so dangerous, let’s talk about its **chemical composition**. Its water is **highly alkaline**, with a pH level of **10.5**, close to that of household ammonia. This extreme alkalinity gives the lake its famous **reddish hue**, caused by salt-loving microorganisms that thrive in such conditions.

For most animals, however, this lake is **a death trap**. If an unsuspecting bird or other small creature crashes into the water, it has little chance of survival. The alkaline water quickly **burns their skin and eyes**, and if they fail to escape, their remains become **calcified**, creating an eerie “stone” effect.

### **The Photographer Who Captured a Nightmare**

In **2013**, wildlife photographer **Nick Brandt** documented one of the most unsettling natural phenomena ever seen. As the water levels of Lake Natron receded, he discovered **dozens of birds and other animals that had been preserved in an almost petrified state**.

At first, he theorized that the lake’s surface was so **reflective** that birds mistakenly flew straight into it, much like crashing into a glass window. Whatever the reason, these unlucky creatures became immortalized in their hardened, stone-like forms.

### **Surprisingly, Some Animals Thrive Here**

Despite its harsh conditions, Lake Natron is not completely devoid of life. In fact, **one species** has found a way to **flourish**—flamingos.

These birds rely on the lake as a **safe breeding ground**. Why? Because the same waters that are lethal to most creatures also **protect them from predators**. Flamingos have evolved to survive in such extreme environments due to:

- **Thick, scaly legs and tough skin**, which shield them from the corrosive effects of the water.

- **A unique ability to filter saltwater**, thanks to specialized glands in their nasal cavities.

- **A diet that includes toxic algae**, something no other large animals can consume safely.

For flamingos, Lake Natron is not a death trap—it’s a **sanctuary**.

### **What Would Happen If You Fell In?**

Now, let’s imagine **you** decided to take a dip. Would you turn to stone instantly? No—but it would be a **horrible** experience.

#### **1. You’d Feel Intense Burning**

The high alkalinity would **irritate your skin, eyes, and any open wounds** immediately. Even if the water temperature was moderate, the extreme saltiness would make your **eyes sting painfully**.

#### **2. If It’s the Hot Season, You’d Suffer Severe Burns**

Depending on the time of year, the water in Lake Natron can reach temperatures of **60°C (140°F)**. That’s **hot enough to cause third-degree burns within seconds**.

#### **3. Sharp, Salty Formations Could Injure You**

Lake Natron isn’t just **toxic**—it’s also **dangerously shallow and full of sharp salt formations**. Jumping or diving in could leave you **seriously cut or scraped**, increasing your risk of infection.

#### **4. You Could Be Preserved Like a Mummy**

If you drowned in Lake Natron and remained submerged, your body would **harden over time**. Due to the lake’s composition, **your hair, skin, and even internal organs could remain intact for centuries**—just like the birds and animals that met the same fate.

### **A Near-Death Experience**

Surprisingly, a **human survival story** has emerged from this toxic lake. In **2007**, a **wildlife film crew’s helicopter crashed into Lake Natron**, submerging the passengers in its alkaline waters.

The pilot sustained a **broken leg**, and another crew member suffered a **fractured hip**. Incredibly, one of the passengers managed to **crawl to shore**, where they alerted local **Maasai tribespeople**. The rescuers **fashioned stretchers out of branches and carried the survivors to safety**, proving that while the lake is deadly, survival is not **impossible**—if you get out quickly.

### **Should You Ever Swim in Lake Natron?**

Even though you **might survive** falling into Lake Natron, it’s not something you’d want to test. Between its **skin-burning water, scorching temperatures, and razor-sharp salt formations**, this is one lake best **admired from a distance**.

However, for **flamingos**, this hostile environment is **home sweet home**. It just goes to show that even the most extreme conditions on Earth can become **a safe haven** for some creatures.

But if you’re looking for an even **more** extreme survival challenge, how about **experiencing a limnic eruption**? Think you could handle it? Be sure to check out our series **"How to Survive"** to find out more!