A vast lake, spanning about two-thirds the area of New York City, has turned a striking shade of luminous green, creating an otherworldly appearance.
This unusual green hue, visible even from space, suggests that a hazardous event is unfolding. The phenomenon affects several lakes.
Pyramid Lake, located in northeast Nevada, is particularly toxic due to an annual occurrence.
NASA recently shared images of this black and green lake, along with similar photos of California’s Clear Lake and Lake Erie.
While the sight may seem alarming, it is part of a natural process that has occurred for many years.
Contrary to what one might suspect, the vivid color is not the result of sewage or chemical contamination, although the water remains toxic.
The green color is a result of an algal bloom, specifically from elevated levels of Nodularia spumigena, a cyanobacterium found in warm, brackish, or saline lakes.
The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, who regularly monitor the lake’s algae levels, have notified tourists to avoid swimming in the bright green water.
In a statement to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Tribe explained: “The bloom material is breaking down and is releasing the toxin microcystin into the water, which signals the turn towards normal conditions that may take 2-3 weeks to normalize.”
Aaron Bill, a water quality manager from the Tribe’s natural resources department, emphasized the need for caution.
He stated: “We always want to make sure to make people aware of that, so that they would either not bring their animals out or they would restrict them and have their own safe drinking water.”
The water poses significant health risks, including causing rashes, diarrhea, and fatigue in those who come into contact with it.
Moreover, inhaling the toxin can have severe neurological effects.
Research by the San Francisco Estuary indicated that chlorophyll-a and cyanobacteria levels rise from late September to mid-October.
Visitors to Pyramid Lake are advised to steer clear of the water for their safety.