Lake Hillier in Australia and Lake Sasyk-Sivash in Crimea are separated by 12,590 kilometers, the Black Sea, and the Indian Ocean. The similarities between these bodies of water reveal some of the secrets of the origins of life on our planet.
The Divine Palette
One can only imagine the surprise of the first explorers who discovered Lake Hillier on an island off the Australian coast — a bright pink spot framed by a strip of white sand, surrounded by an evergreen eucalyptus forest. Researchers note that unlike other colored lakes around the world, Hillier's water maintains a constant color in any season and remains a vivid pink, even when collected in a container.
Until recently, it was believed that this unusual coloring was due to the single-celled alga Dunaliella salina. However, recent research has shown that microorganisms — archaea — play a major role. There is a hypothesis that they are one of the oldest forms of biological life on Earth. The fact that the bitter, saline environment proved quite suitable for archaea is compelling evidence of the diversity and remarkable adaptability of life forms.
Pink in All Its Splendor
Unlike the remote Australian Lake Hillier, Crimea's Sasyk-Sivash in the Saki district is completely accessible to tourists. Starting in mid-summer, weather permitting, this otherwise unremarkable body of water becomes a pilgrimage site for adventure seekers who want to discover the mysteries of the "Red Planet."
Crimea's Lake Sasyk-Sivash gives everyone the opportunity to broaden their horizons and take exclusive photographs.
Wading slowly through the pink shallows, curious and active visitors learn a great deal about the elixir of life: caustic brine, healing mud, and miraculous salt. The "Martian" landscape is a visible trace of life invisible to the eye, adapted to extreme conditions. In particular, the Dunaliella alga produces large amounts of beta-carotene — a powerful natural antioxidant and immunostimulant, which, when ingested, is converted into vitamin A.
As for the brine, its beneficial properties have long been noted and confirmed by clinical studies. Regular use of brine baths helps to improve metabolism, normalize blood pressure, and strengthen the immune system. The unique mineral composition of the brine, combined with the therapeutic mud of Lake Sasyk-Sivash, makes this place one of the most valuable health resorts on the peninsula.
