Key Takeaways
- The West Australian salt lakes are a unique and fascinating feature of the landscape, with vibrant colors and diverse wildlife.
- The salt lakes are millions of years old and can be found in the central Wheatbelt region, with some areas being popular tourist attractions.
- The colors of the salt lakes change with the seasons, with deep blue colors in the summer and yellows, greens, browns, purples, orange, and pinks as they dry out.
- The unique bacterial and phytoplankton communities in the salt lakes are responsible for their vibrant colors, producing a protective coating called beta carotene.
- The salt lakes are home to a variety of endemic species, including native brine shrimp and snails, that have adapted to survive in the harsh environment.
Introduction to the Salt Lakes
The West Australian salt lakes are a breathtaking sight to behold, with their vibrant colors and unique features. For the past five years, photographer Scott Jon McCook has dedicated hundreds of hours to capturing the beauty of these salt lakes from the sky. McCook describes the salt lakes as "little paint pots of colour" dotted across the landscape, with colors that are so vivid they can be hard to believe. Some of the salt lakes are millions of years old, and McCook’s photographs have helped to showcase their beauty and importance.
Capturing the Salt Lakes from the Sky
McCook uses satellite data to determine the best time to head out and capture the salt lakes at their most colorful. He mainly films from helicopters or aircraft, and is mindful of private property and not interfering with the work of farmers, particularly when using drones. McCook has spent weeks traveling around the lake systems, often on his own or with other people, to capture the unique features of each lake. He notes that the colors of the salt lakes are not visible from the ground, and can only be truly appreciated from the air.
The Changing Colors of the Salt Lakes
According to Curtin University conservation biologist Angus Lawrie, the colors of the salt lakes change with the seasons. In the summer months, the lakes are often deep blue, but as they dry out, they can turn into a range of colors including yellows, greens, browns, purples, orange, and pinks. Lawrie explains that the unique bacterial and phytoplankton communities in the salt lakes are responsible for their vibrant colors, producing a protective coating called beta carotene to protect themselves from the sun. This is the same reason why carrots are orange, and it is what gives the salt lakes their distinctive colors.
The Unique Wildlife of the Salt Lakes
The salt lakes are home to a variety of unique and endemic species, including native brine shrimp and snails. These animals have adapted to survive in the harsh environment of the salt lakes, where the water can be extremely saline and the temperatures can be extreme. Lawrie notes that the invertebrate communities in the salt lakes may seem insignificant, but they are actually an incredibly important food source for a variety of different migratory bird species. Some of these bird species rely heavily on the aquatic invertebrates in the salt lakes for their diet, and the salt lakes provide a vital habitat for these animals.
The Importance of the Salt Lakes
The salt lakes are not just a unique and fascinating feature of the West Australian landscape, but they also provide a vital habitat for a variety of endemic species. The salt lakes are millions of years old, and have been an important part of the ecosystem for thousands of years. McCook’s photographs have helped to raise awareness of the importance of the salt lakes, and the need to protect and conserve these unique environments. By showcasing the beauty and diversity of the salt lakes, McCook hopes to inspire people to learn more about these incredible ecosystems and to take action to protect them for future generations.