Why are salt lakes pink?

Question

I saw them in Alicante in Spain and in the evening they seemed to change to a pink hue...reason please? been wondering for quite a while.

thanks,

Rana

Answer 1

That lake has large deposits of feldspar, composed of  igneous rock minerals.

Also interesting are the Crater Lakes at Kelimutu on the Indonesian island of Flores.  I believe that they are also colored as a result of mineral deposits, but these lakes have actually changed colors through the years (due to upwelling from volcanic activity).  The colors at his site are typically green, blue, red, white, and black.

Here is a link to some pictures of the Kelimutu lakes:

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/In...

Answer 2

Good question. Salt water by itself is clear so there must be a pollutant in there. Maybe some kind of bacteria growing or fungus or maybe some chemical. I really don't know the answer but am interested. :)

Answer 3

The pink coloration is caused by the growth of halobacteria or haloarchaea.  These organisms thrive in concentrated salt solutions.  I believe the pink pigment responsible is bacteriorhodopsin.  There is a great picture of salt ponds on wikipedia.  You should also look at pictures of the Great Salt Lake after it was divided by a railroad.