Horizon：Magical pink lakes
【明報專訊】Around the world, several stunning lakes are famous for their vibrant pink colour. This striking hue is often caused by high salinity (鹽度), algae (藻類) and bacteria. Are you curious about the magical appearance of these bodies of water? Would you like to see them for yourself?
Australia - Lake Hillier, Hutt Lagoon and Lake Bumbunga
Australia is home to several stunning pink lakes. Lake Hillier (photo on the left) is known for its bubblegum-pink colour, while Hutt Lagoon shifts between pink, red and purple hues depending on the season and time of day. These lakes get their colour from a mix of salt, algae and bacteria. Due to the high salt content, swimming is not advisable. To know the current colour, always check social media for updates.
Senegal (塞內加爾) - Lake Retba
Lake Retba, also known as Lac Rose, is located in Senegal, West Africa. Famous for its rosy waters, the lake is particularly vibrant during the dry season. Its colour shifts from soft pink to deep red, depending on the sunlight and time of year. The lake is incredibly salty, even saltier than the Dead Sea. Locals harvest its salt using traditional methods. The secret behind its magical pink hue lies in salt-loving bacteria in its waters.
Bolivia (玻利維亞) - Laguna Colorada
Laguna Colorada is a breathtaking reddish-pink lagoon in Bolivia, a South American country. Located in the national park, its colour comes from algae and minerals that change depending on the light and weather conditions. Blue or white patches sometimes appear due to mineral deposits (礦物沉積) or the sky's reflection. The lake is a haven for three species of flamingos, including the rare James's flamingo. Surrounded by salt flats (鹽灘), geysers (間歇泉) and hot springs, Laguna Colorada is one of Bolivia's most magical natural wonders.
■Gear up
1. Which of the following is NOT true?
A. Australia is home to more than one pink lake.
B. Swimming is advisable in pink lakes.
C. Laguna Colorada is located in South America.
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
advisable (adj) 建議的
current (adj) 現在的
incredibly (adv) 難以置信地
wonder (n) 奇觀
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[Smarties' Power English 第440期]
