Lake Tyrrell for Skywatch Friday

 

Lake Tyrrell is a breathtaking, shallow Salt Lake that's more than just a geological wonder. This ancient Salt Lake spans an impressive 20,860 hectares, making it Victoria's largest Salt Lake. But what truly makes Lake Tyrrell an Instagram-worthy marvel is its stunning reflective surface that mirrors the sky, creating otherworldly visuals that seem straight out of a dream

Over the years, I have amassed a collection of photographs of this lake, capturing its various lights and weathers. Although I haven't visited the lake monthly this year, each visit has offered a unique experience.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

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Last evening, Joel and I planned to explore an inner-city beach along the Mornington Peninsula. We aimed to discover a few hidden corners of the rocky coast, perfect for long exposure photography. However, the weather turned completely overcast, contrary to the sunny forecast. We decided to detour to St Kilda Pier, which had recently reopened after three years of construction (Australia is notoriously slow with major construction projects).

Joel introduced me to the peculiar "no-no" dance from Sweden. He showed me an official video clip on TikTok, where the government requested Finnish women to perform this dance just before their rape in the country. It was bizarre to hear about this news. We ended up discussing world events in a rather dismal 24/7 China bar, consuming terrible carbs and eating deep-fried food

That is so bizarre right? 

Linking Skywatch Friday

Pink Lake, Ashville for Skywatch Friday

 

Joel and I took a long drive to reach this destination. Not much else is there apart from droning.

The Geology of Pink Lake

Pink Lake’s iconic pink color and its unusual salt crust have sparked scientific interest, and its geology is just as captivating as its history.

The Formation of the Lake

Pink Lake is a saline lake, which means it is highly concentrated with dissolved salts. The lake itself is part of the Eyre Basin, a large endorheic basin in South Australia. Endorheic basins are unique because they don’t drain into the sea, which results in the accumulation of water, salts, and minerals over time. The lake was formed through a combination of ancient geological processes, including the movement of tectonic plates, as well as climatic factors such as evaporation and rainfall patterns.

Over millions of years, the region's climate has fluctuated, with periods of both wetter and drier conditions. During drier times, the lake has dried up, leaving behind a thick layer of salt. When filled with water, the lake remains highly saline due to the evaporation that occurs in the hot, dry conditions of South Australia. This process of evaporation leads to a concentration of salts, and the lake’s high salinity is what supports the formation of salt crusts on its surface.

The Pink Color Phenomenon

The stunning pink hue of Pink Lake is one of its most distinctive features. The color of the lake can vary in intensity, from pale pink to deep fuchsia, and is influenced by several factors, most notably the presence of specific microorganisms in the water. A key contributor to this coloration is a type of algae known as Dunaliella salina, which thrives in highly saline environments. This algae produces a red pigment called beta-carotene, which is responsible for the lake's signature pink appearance.

In addition to the algae, the lake’s unique chemistry also plays a role in the color change. High levels of salt in the water create an environment where certain types of bacteria and microorganisms flourish, leading to the vivid color shifts. The lake's color can also be affected by the time of year, temperature, and the water’s salt content, which explains why the lake’s appearance can change from one season to another.

Salt Production and Mining

Over the years, salt mining has been a significant part of the lake's economic history. The salt extracted from Pink Lake is high in quality, and it was used in a variety of applications, from table salt to industrial and agricultural uses. In the past, large-scale mining operations have extracted salt using evaporation techniques, where water from the lake was allowed to evaporate, leaving behind a thick, white salt crust.

Today, salt production at the lake has mostly ceased, but remnants of the industry remain. The area is still an important site for scientific study, particularly concerning its saline ecosystem and the unique microorganisms that call the lake home.

Linking Skywatch Friday

The latest Aldi commercial is quite amusing

Xmas Turkey

More Lake Tyrrell aerial view for Treasure Tuesday

 

Exquisite view of a lake filling up after 2 months of rain

DJ Mini Pro4

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Lake Tyrrell Topdown for Sunday Best

 

Due to the injury, I just make do with drone out here on Wednesday. A lovely pattern.

DJ Mini Pro4

Linking Sunday Best

Lake Tyrrell Sunset for Skywatch Friday

 

This was taken a while back when the usual arid season arrives in Lake Tyrrell

Panasonic G9

Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4 

Linking Skywatch Friday

Pink Lake for Water H2O Thursday

 

This has been a hectic week. Not even time to post this one up at all. I need a debriefing. 

Thank you for your support of my blog. 

This is linking Water H2O Thursday

Saltworks at Lake Tyrrell for Sunday Best

 

Third time in this location along the unsealed road of Salt works Rd. Many hares manically running away from me as I approached the lake side. I was meaning to go to a site with abandoned tractor coated by thick pink salt. I decided not to do that because of risk of being sand bombed. 

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Summer is definitely here. Time to get physical and lose some weight. Gonna start intermittent fasting again. 

Linking Sunday Best

Lake Tyrrell with another look

 

This lake is like a woman with menopause. There is such much volatility in its mood variation. She can be charming or cruel. 

Panasonic G9

Leica 8-18mm

Other Lake photos

Lake Tyrrell Photos