The salt lake at Westgate Park has turned pink! It takes a combination of elements to create this natural phenomenon; very high salt levels, high temperatures, increased sunlight and lack of rainfall.
If you’re wondering what causes the red pigment, it’s algae growing in the salt crust, which is responding to extremely high salt levels.
Pretty in Pink! The lake behind me, that is. Westgate Park Lake is attracting crowds with its latest colour change. What makes the water turn a shade of salmon (or is that cerise?)? Details soon on @9NewsMelb. pic.twitter.com/HB2Lnux8ax
— Seb Costello (@SebCostello9) February 21, 2019
Pretty to look at, but not to touch! We recommend you don’t come into contact with the water, and please refrain from walking on the sensitive lake edge.
Its that time of the year again the insta-famous salt lake in Westgate Park, in Port Melbourne below the Westgate Bridge, has turned bright pink again due to a perfect mix of high temperatures, sunlight and low rainfall. ?
— Melbourne with Kidz (@Melbourne_Kidz) February 16, 2019
More info https://t.co/fTHl9YMRDa@Parks #pinklake pic.twitter.com/7IV8tbSs22
This man-made lake turned pink in December 2012 for the first time. Since then, the unusual phenomenon has been observed almost every summer. This year algae bloom will last until late autumn.
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