One lake is so alkaline it mummifies animals that die in it
Tanzania's Lake Natron reaches a pH above 12 thanks to heavy deposits of sodium carbonate and natron, the same mineral ancient Egyptians used for mummification. Animals that die in its caustic water are preserved rather than decomposing normally, and the lake's blood-red color comes from salt-loving microorganisms. Despite the extreme chemistry, its thick-skinned flamingos thrive there precisely because nothing else can survive to threaten their nests.