Mysterious Tunisian
Lake
The
Tunisian Lake is not like other lakes. Is it just blue? Not necessarily. Is it cold?
Not at all. Every single observation made about this lake is unique. It
certainly is enjoyable for both kids and older ones but how safe is it?
Shepherds walking across the Tunisian desert revealed this 60 foot deep, blue
lake in early July says The Guardian. The
lake was soon discovered by the locals without knowing how it even came there.
While a few theories suggest that it is completely safe, some suggest the very
opposite.
Lake
“Lac de Gafsa” magically appeared in the Tunisian Desert, no one knowing how
exactly it showed up. One theory suggests that the lake came to life as a
result of a seismic activity, meaning that an earthquake created it. When a
lake is caused by a seismic activity, it send liquid to the surface and can
also cause water flowing the opposite direction, taking swimmer along with it.
The lake completely shocked the locals but mainly scientific experts, from
being just sand to turning into deep turquoise water. (See image 1) “Some say
it is a miracle, while others are calling it a curse,” Lakhdar Souid, a
Tunisian journalist told France 24 television.
Another theory suggests that the water formed because of rain. No theory
is still scientifically proven but it is hoped that it will be soon.
Greenish lake in the Tunisian desert. (https://www.dogonews.com/2014/8/10/mystery-lake-in-tunisian-desert-causes-both-joy-and-concern)
Since the lake has been discovered
hundreds of locals are visiting it at a daily basis. Even though warm water
results less oxygen, Tunisians are mostly coming just because of that. The warm
water relaxes them, gives them an escape from heatwave and simply gives them a
nice swim. (See image 2) “News of the lake’s appearance has spread like wildfire and now
hundreds of people, eager to escape a heatwave, go there to swim.” (Tunisia
Daily) The lake however caused major
worries among scientific experts. Scientists discovered that the lake contains
large amounts of phosphates (salt of phosphoric acid) which might have left
behind radioactive marks. Also the green water has become filled with all sorts
of algae, meaning that it might contain several harmful diseases. Hatef Ougi
warned everyone that the water is not meant for swimming but no one really
seemed to care. This is definitely a big problem. If people don’t listen to
safety instructions their lives can be in danger and the life of others too.
Since there might be parasites in this lake anyone can catch them and easily
spread them on to anyone by contact. Another big concern is that there are no
lifeguards or any sort of protection in Lac de Gafsa. I personally think that
if there were lifeguards less to none people would swim in lake which so far is
the safest solution.
Lac de Gafsa crowded with people locals all ages. (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/01/mysterious-lake-tunisian-desert-turquoise-green-sludge)
How exactly did people find out
that the lake might be dangerous? This is where science comes in. If there wasn’t
science, if science wasn’t applied in this case no one would ever know anything
about this lake. Scientists already collected some samples from the lake but are
still trying to figure out whether Lac de Gafsa is safe or not. So far
scientists came up some theories and just a few confirmed observations. The
sooner each theory is confirmed and the sooner the locals are informed,
everyone will know if this lake is safe to swim in or even be around.
Although this lake is amusing and
fun for all the locals, the safety has still not been confirmed. Once the scientists
test all their theories locals will for sure know whether or not Lac de Gafsa
is meant for swimming.
VIDEO!
Sources:
This is a great article overall :) I liked how you asked questions in the very beginning, because it makes it interesting and it's like a hook to us, readers. I liked the good quality pictures very much, and the video too. (short and simple) You included many scientific terms, and explained them very briefly. I liked how you managed us to ask ourselves whether the lake is safe not as well, cause we still don't have any confirmed answers. Besides the lake having harmful algae and people not listening to instructions they are given, do you think there might be some other environmental, economical or maybe even social problems?
ReplyDeleteJovana,
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great description of your story. I really enjoyed reading your article and I liked how you included information about the article. I found your story to be very interesting and the videos and pictures you included were also great. I liked the vocabulary you used and how you explained certain terms to make it easier to understand for the readers. Additionally I liked how you gave your opinion on how to make the lake safer for swimmers. My question is how do you think this lake was formed, and what do you think is the safest solution regarding peoples health? Overall great job!
I really enjoyed reading your article because I found it very interesting in many aspects. I liked how you used a great amount of detail in your article and I also like how you have questions and then answered them later on in the paragraph. I think you did a really good job overall. My question would be: were there any reported cases of people getting sick because of the lake? And what can the government do to persuade the locals to not swim in the lake?
ReplyDelete