The Pink Lake in Quairading is regarded as the local phenomena! At certain times of the year, one side of the lake becomes a distinctive pink colour, while the other side remains blue or just a light pink colour.
Quairading’s Pink Lake is located 11km east of Quairading on the Bruce Rock Road. This road passes straight through the lake, so you can’t miss it ;)
But why is the water pink?
It was assumed for a long time that micro algae were responsible for the pink colour. But, in 2015 the eXtreme Microbiome Project found that the most likely cause is a bacterium producing a pigment called "bacterioruberin" which helps the bacterium collect light to produce energy.
Depending on different conditions, half of the lake is a distinctive pink colour whilst the other half remains blue. The lake is generally at its most vibrant during the peak of summer, where heat and high salinity provide the ideal environment for the bacterium.
The deforestation of the vegetation, which led to the replacement of deep-rooted shrubs by shallow-rooted plants, has certainly impacted on salinity. These types of vegetation use much less water than their predecessors. As a result the watertables have risen and salt that had been stored deep within the soil profile has moved to the surface. During hot summer, evaporation causes the water level to drop and salt builds up on the old fences and trees. When the water returns, the salt causes the pink colour.
Based on the information and your observations, answer the following questions and send us the answers.
1. Explain why the water isn't pink all the year.
2. Explain the high level of salt in the lake.
3. Explain how the water level (increasing and decreasing) affect the color of the water.
4. Post (or send me) a photo with you and/or your GPS with the Pink Lake in the background.
You can claim the earthcache immediately. If I find some problems with your answers I will contact you.
The left side of the lake was really cool dark pink on our first visit here. Friends were here last month and unfortunately had only blue water. Therefore, we would be very happy about pictures to document the color gradient of the lake ;)