Photograph of Bolivia’s Laguna Colorada in the elevated desert region of the Andes, captured from the International Space Station on September 7, 2023.
Though tinged with an iron-like hue, these significant water courses in Bolivia and Madagascar are crucial for ecological diversity.
Certain aquatic environments on Earth can manifest a sanguine semblance owing to the prevalence of red-colored algae, bacteria, and mineral deposits. Spacefaring astronauts on the International Space Station frequently document such crimson phenomena through photography.
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Laguna Colorada: An Ochre Wonder
The above image, taken over the elevated arid plateau of the Andean mountains in Bolivia, highlights Laguna Colorada, also known as the Red Lagoon. The photograph reveals the ferric shades typical of hypersaline habitats, where various microscopic organisms lend color to the relatively shallow waters. Factors such as the intensity of light, salinity, pH balance, and temperature all contribute to the proliferation of red algae. Analogous phenomena have been documented globally, ranging from the Great Salt Lake in the United States to Lake Aralsor in Kazakhstan.
Photograph of Madagascar’s Betsiboka River Delta, captured from the International Space Station on September 30, 2023.
Betsiboka River Delta: The Role of Mineral Particulates
The subsequent image, also snapped by an astronaut aboard the space station, reveals the russet waters of the Betsiboka River Delta in Madagascar. Here, the hue is attributable to the carriage of sediment rich in iron content. Such sediment can obstruct the delta’s estuarine channels but may also create new landmasses that subsequently support mangrove ecosystems. Numerous other aquatic systems, like the reservoir receiving water from Brazil’s Jacui River, exhibit a similar coloration due to mineral deposits.
In spite of their ferric coloration, these waterways are ecologically significant. In the case of Laguna Colorada, algae and various microorganisms act as essential sustenance for at-risk avian species, including the Andean flamingo. In the Betsiboka River Delta, the estuarine region offers vital nourishment such as aquatic plants to endangered and vulnerable species like the green turtle and dugong, also known as the sea cow.
Photograph ISS069-E-86138 was captured on September 7, 2023, utilizing a Nikon D5 digital camera and a 1150-millimeter focal length. Likewise, photograph ISS070-E-959 was snapped on September 30, 2023, with the same camera model but using a 400-millimeter focal length. The images are disseminated by the ISS Crew Earth Observations Facility and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit at Johnson Space Center. Both photographs were taken by members of Expedition 69 and Expedition 70 crews, respectively. These images have undergone cropping and enhancements to improve visual contrast, and lens distortions have been eliminated. The ISS National Lab supports the orbital laboratory to assist astronauts in capturing images of Earth that are most useful for scientific research and public interest, making these images universally accessible online. Caption by Sara Schmidt, GeoControl Systems, under contract at NASA-JSC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Earth’s red water bodies
What are the primary locations discussed in the article?
The article primarily focuses on Laguna Colorada in the Bolivian Andes and the Betsiboka River Delta in Madagascar.
What causes the red or rusty coloration of these water bodies?
The red or rusty coloration in these water bodies is attributed to various factors. In Laguna Colorada, it is due to the presence of red-pigmented algae and other microorganisms in a hypersaline environment. In the Betsiboka River Delta, the reddish-brown hue comes from the transport of iron-rich sediments.
Who captured the photographs of these red water bodies?
The photographs were captured by astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
Why are these red water bodies ecologically important?
These water bodies are crucial for biodiversity. In Laguna Colorada, microorganisms serve as an essential food source for at-risk avian species like the Andean flamingo. In the Betsiboka River Delta, the estuarine region provides nourishment to endangered species like the green turtle and the vulnerable dugong.
What type of cameras and focal lengths were used to capture these images?
Nikon D5 digital cameras were used for capturing these images. A focal length of 1150 millimeters was used for the image of Laguna Colorada, and a focal length of 400 millimeters was used for the Betsiboka River Delta image.
Who provides these images and for what purpose?
These images are provided by the ISS Crew Earth Observations Facility and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit at Johnson Space Center. They are taken to be of the greatest value to scientists and the public and are made freely available online.
Have similar phenomena been observed in other locations?
Yes, similar occurrences of water bodies with unique coloration have been observed worldwide, such as in the Great Salt Lake in the United States and Lake Aralsor in Kazakhstan.
Who authored the captions for these images?
The captions for these images were authored by Sara Schmidt, who is with GeoControl Systems, under contract at NASA-JSC.
More about Earth’s red water bodies
- ISS Crew Earth Observations Facility
- Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit at Johnson Space Center
- NASA’s Official Website
- Overview of Laguna Colorada
- Information on Betsiboka River Delta
- Article on Importance of Algae in Ecosystems
- Information on the Nikon D5 Digital Camera
6 comments
Does anyone know if there’s a way to visit these places? would be an amazing trip!
Didn’t expect water bodies to play such a key role in biodiversity, especially these oddly-colored ones. Thats new info for me.
those camera specs are insane. 1150mm focal length! What else are astronauts capturing up there?
this is super fascinating! who would have thought that algae and sediments could make such a big impact. science is cool.
Wow, never knew water could look like blood from space. Nature is just full of surprises, huh?
Its NASA, they always come up with amazing stuff. But this is truly exceptional, Kudos to the astronauts for such stunning shots.