Lake Manyara Salt Deposits EarthCache
Hidden : 3/12/2010
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

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Lake Manyara Overview
Covering about 330km, of which typically two-thirds is underwater, Lake Manyara National Park is a small park by African standards. However, it's also very beautiful and contains tremendous diversity of habitats, animals and especially birds. The Rift Valley is at its most impressive at Lake Manyara, with the escarpment dropping a dramatic 500 m (1640 feet) down to the lakeshore. Groves of tall, ghostly fever trees grow on the banks of the lake during the dry season, dying off as the level of the lake rises and the tree roots become waterlogged. New forests spring up in the next dry season, continuing the perpetual cycle. Permanent pools on the fringes of the marshes are irresistible wallowing sites for elephant, buffalo and warthog. This waterlogged habitat is also home to the specially adapted reedbuck and waterbuck, and several rarely encountered species, such as the serval and marsh mongoose. An abundance of frogs that breed in the marshes attracts a range of snakes, including the African rock python. During the dry seasons, the waters of Lake Manyara recede and stretches of exposed land are covered with tender grasses attracting many grazing herbivores, such as wildebeest, zebra, buffalo and warthog.

Lake Manyara



Salt Deposits
Water in Lake Manyara is trapped and subjected to intense evaporation, which has led to salt accumulation and the appearance of distinctive deposits at the water’s edge. These deposits appear silver in color. In spite of the water's salinity, the lake houses large pods of hippo and the high concentration of algae attracts an astounding array of water birds.

Lake View - Notice the silver buildup on the edge of the lake


Satellite View - Salt deposits can be seen to the south and east


Assignment
1. Take a photo of the lake showing the silver looking salt deposits on the side. You should not do anything dangerous to get to the lake (i.e. go near wild hippos in the natural habitat). A far away photo will suffice. Note that the coordinates are based on a satellite view - you should go where your guide takes you.
2. Send me an e-mail describing how you think the lake formed and why you think there are salt deposits in the lake
3. In your log describe any animals or plants that you see in this area

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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