Tuesday 14 February 2012

Osoyoos - Canada's Spotted Lake

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Spotted Lake is a saline endorheic alkali lake located northwest of Osoyoos in British Columbia, Canada. Spotted Lake is very highly concentrated with numerous different minerals. It contains some of the highest quantities of magnesium sulfate, calcium and sodium sulphates.

Most of the water in the lake evaporates over the summer, leaving behind all the minerals. Large spots on the lake appear and depending on the mineral composition at the time, the spots will be different colors. The spots are made mainly of magnesium sulfate, which crystallizes in the summer. In the summer only the minerals in Spotted Lake remain, and they harden to form natural walkways around and between the spots.

1 comment(s):

Larry said...

The things one learns! Osoyoos is a few hours drive from Vancouver where I live. I'm going to have to check out this lake the next time I'm travelling that way!