Encore - Spotted Lake
March 12, 2016
Today, and every Saturday Earth Science Picture of the Day invites you to rediscover favorites from the past. Saturday posts feature an EPOD that was chosen by viewers like you in our monthly Viewers' Choice polls. Join us as we look back at these intriguing and captivating images.
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Photographer: Chris Gozdzik
Summary Author: Chris Gozdzik; Jim Foster
The photo above shows enigmatic Spotted Lake near Osoyoos, British Columbia. It could also be called Doubletake Lake since that's likely what many people do when they witness this odd body of "water." Its spots result from a high concentration of a number of different minerals, including magnesium sulfate, calcium and sodium sulfates. At least a dozen other minerals are found in the lake's water in varying concentrations. By late summer, much of the water evaporates and only a mineral stew remains. It's primarily crystals of magnesium sulfate that contributes to the spotty appearance. Different minerals yield different colors. Spotted Lake was once sacred to Indian tribes in the area, perhaps because the high mineral content had therapeutic qualities. Photo taken on August 8, 2009.
Photo Details: Camera Maker: Panasonic; Camera Model: DMC-FZ18; Focal Length: 9.5mm (35mm equivalent: 58mm); Aperture: f/8.0; Exposure Time: 0.0016 s (1/640);ISO equiv: 100.