These Lakes Shouldn't Be Three Different Colors

Summary

Keli Mutu Volcano in Indonesia is home to three unique, color-changing lakes, each with distinct hues, including green, red, white, and black. These colors are influenced by volcanic gases, iron content, and sediment deposits. Scientists believe the lakes’ color changes could potentially serve as early indicators of volcanic activity, using satellite imagery to track shifts. This innovative technique could be applied globally to monitor seasonal changes in various landscapes. The Keli Mutu lakes not only intrigue with their vivid colors but also offer a novel approach to studying dynamic environments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Keli Mutu Volcano in Indonesia is home to three lakes with different, vivid colors that sometimes change over time.
• 😀 Each lake has its own unique chemistry, influenced by volcanic gases and underground vents, giving them their distinct colors.
• 😀 The three lakes—Tiwu Ata Polo, Tiwu Nuwa Muri Ko’o Fai, and Tiwu Ata Bupu—are not interconnected but share the same volcanic system.
• 😀 Tiwu Ata Polo, the 'bewitched lake,' is usually green or turquoise but can turn dark red, especially during the rainy season.
• 😀 Tiwu Nuwa Muri Ko’o Fai, the 'lake of young men and maidens,' sometimes turns white due to volcanic sediment being stirred up in the water.
• 😀 Tiwu Ata Bupu, the 'lake of the elders,' has changed colors in the past but is currently black due to a lack of volcanic activity and gas release.
• 😀 Iron in the lake water, with different charges, plays a key role in the color changes, contributing to green, blue, or red hues.
• 😀 The white color of Tiwu Nuwa Muri Ko’o Fai is thought to be caused by suspended sediment in the water, reflecting light.
• 😀 Satellite images from Landsat have been used to track the color changes of the lakes, providing insights into volcanic activity and early warning signs.
• 😀 The color shifts of the lakes may be linked to volcanic eruptions, with a 2018 study suggesting they could signal volcanic activity in advance.
• 😀 The technique used to analyze color changes in the Keli Mutu lakes could be applied to other landscapes, such as forests or farmland, to track seasonal changes and environmental shifts.

Q & A

What are the three lakes atop Keli Mutu Volcano in Indonesia known for?

The three lakes atop Keli Mutu Volcano are known for their vivid and sometimes changing colors. Each lake has a distinct color, and their colors can shift over time due to volcanic activity.

What are the names and meanings of the three lakes on Keli Mutu Volcano?

The three lakes are Tiwu Ata Polo (the 'bewitched lake' or 'enchanted lake', believed to house the souls of bad people), Tiwu Nuwa Muri Ko’o Fai (the 'lake of young men and maidens'), and Tiwu Ata Bupu (the 'lake of the elders').

Why do the lakes on Keli Mutu Volcano change color?

The lakes change color due to the volcanic gases and deposits that interact with the lakes' water, altering their chemical composition. The colors are influenced by factors like dissolved chemicals and seasonal changes in volcanic activity.

What role do volcanic gases play in the color of the Keli Mutu lakes?

Volcanic gases leaking through underwater and underground vents contribute to the lakes' unique colors by affecting their chemical composition. These gases, along with mineral deposits from the volcano, are responsible for the distinct colors of the lakes.

Why is it challenging to study the chemistry of the Keli Mutu lakes?

Studying the chemistry is difficult because the lakes' walls are several hundred feet high and nearly vertical, making it hard to access the water. In the 90s, scientists used cables and flying sample containers to collect water samples.

What is the likely cause of the greenish hue in Tiwu Ata Polo and Tiwu Nuwa Muri Ko’o Fai?

The greenish hue is likely caused by dissolved iron-containing chemicals in the water. Iron atoms in these chemicals, when charged, often take on a greenish color.

What causes Tiwu Ata Polo to turn red?

Tiwu Ata Polo turns red during the rainy season when rainfall dilutes the lake and makes it less acidic. This allows more iron ions with a 3+ charge to enter the water, causing the lake to appear red, similar to rusting.

Why does Tiwu Nuwa Muri Ko’o Fai sometimes turn white?

Tiwu Nuwa Muri Ko’o Fai turns white when volcanic gas stirs up sediment in the lake. The suspended particles reflect light, making the lake appear brighter and lighter in color.

How has the color of Tiwu Ata Bupu changed over time?

Tiwu Ata Bupu has previously been white or green but is currently black. This change is due to the diminishing volcanic activity in the area, which has reduced the amount of suspended sediment in the water.

How can satellite images be used to study the Keli Mutu lakes?

Satellite images, such as those from Landsat satellites, have been used to track the color changes of the lakes. These images help scientists monitor the lakes over time and study potential connections between color changes and volcanic activity.

How might the color changes in the Keli Mutu lakes serve as a warning for volcanic activity?

Scientists have suggested that the color changes, like the red shift of Tiwu Ata Polo before an eruption, could act as early warning signs of volcanic activity. The analysis of satellite images may help detect these signs.

What other applications could the technique used to monitor the Keli Mutu lakes have?

The technique of analyzing color changes using satellite images could be applied to other landscapes that change color seasonally, such as forests or farmland. This could help in tracking environmental changes or urban growth.