The Nile Turned Blood Red

With war happening in Israel and volcanoes erupting all over the world recently, people have been on edge. Now, social media has been buzzing with videos showing the Nile River turning blood red. 

In the book of Exodus, it is mentioned that Moses struck the Nile with his staff and the water turned to blood, beginning the first of the Ten Plagues of Egypt. The Bible says that all the fish in the river died as the water became unusable. 

BREAKING: Parts of the Nile River have turned red. It is unclear why. pic.twitter.com/d95LWXuWlI

— TRACKER DEEP (@tracker_deep) November 13, 2023

Researchers are pointing to something other than The Almighty, this time around, however.

Scientific experts have provided a simpler explanation for this seemingly extraordinary phenomenon. Previous studies suggest that the red hue of the Nile River could be attributed to a proliferation of red algae, a natural event that, although astonishing, finds its origin in biological processes, explains Cultura Cultiva.

In previous situations, it has been shown that an abundance of red algae can give bodies of water a certain red hue, puzzling observers and generating speculation about possible biblical events.

Another explanation floating around the Internet indicates that the Nile River has a high concentration of dissolved iron. When the substance mixes with the gas released by earthquakes, the oxide is released and gives the water its red hue.

While the Nile turning blood red evokes the book of Exodus, people in Australia would probably see it as not a big deal. Nestled in Western Australia lies the extraordinary natural wonder known as Lake Hillier, a picturesque and captivating bubblegum pink lake that seems plucked from a painter’s wildest dreams. 

Similar to the Nile, the stunning coloration is a result of a unique combination of factors: the presence of Dunaliella salina, a type of microalgae, and a particular species of halophilic bacteria. Despite the high salt concentration in the lake’s waters, these microorganisms thrive, creating a spectacular pink mosaic against the backdrop of the azure sky and surrounding eucalyptus forests.

Despite its otherworldly color, the lake is safe to admire from a distance, as its hypersaline nature discourages swimming. From the air, the lake’s pink hue appears even more pronounced, offering a breathtaking aerial spectacle that adds to its allure and continues to pique the curiosity of those fortunate enough to witness this natural marvel firsthand.

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