Natron (Tanzania)
This lake is amazing but dangerous. It turns anyone who touches its waters into stone sculptures. This phenomenon, which seems like fiction from a fantasy story, is actually a cruel reality. The shores of Natron are full of "statues" of unfortunate animals. The fact is that the water in Lake Natron is highly saline and alkaline (pH level reaches 10.5), which leads to the death of living creatures.
Kawah Ijen (Indonesia)
Lake Kawah Ijen, located on the island of Java, mesmerizes at first sight with its changing shades from bright turquoise to delicate green at different times of the day. However, this place is very dangerous. Situated in the crater of a dormant volcano, Kawah Ijen is surrounded by sulfur deposits. That is why there are frequent releases of methane into the air, which is a major health hazard. In addition, the water in the lake contains a huge concentration of hydrochloric acid, making it the most acidic waterbody on the planet.
Nyos (Cameroon)
Lake Nyos was formed in a volcanic crater with magma beneath it, constantly releasing carbon dioxide. The gas accumulated in the waters of the lake for many hundreds of years, until one day it came to the surface in an earthquake. This event, which occurred in the 1980s, killed more than 1,700 people and 3,500 animals that were within a 25-kilometer radius of the epicenter of the CO2 release at the time of the natural disaster.
Pitch Lake (Trinidad)
This lake is unique in that its waters are made of natural liquid asphalt. This is where the black tarry mass, which is used for road construction all over the world, is extracted. The surface of Pitch Lake is compacted enough in some places, allowing you to move on it, but this is risky. You can suddenly find yourself trapped as the lake deceptively changes its consistency from firm to pliable, creating the danger of falling through.
Boiling Lake (Island of Dominica)
The Island of Dominica is home to a lake with an astounding phenomenon. Its water heats up to 92°C. This happens even in the cool season when rains cool the air to 10°C. Swimming in the Boiling Lake is strictly forbidden not only because of the high temperature of the water but also because of the activity of underwater volcanic springs, which, in fact, provide constant heating of the water.
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This year has been pivotal for Bitcoin, the world's leading cryptocurrency. One of the key milestones was the approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. In April 2024, Bitcoin also experienced a halving event, which is typically seen as a positive development for the digital asset. This year, the cryptocurrency is up 57%, and analysts remain optimistic about its future. However, they highlight four key factors that could influence Bitcoin's trajectory, both for better and for worse
Analytical periodical US News and World Report has presented its ranking of the best countries in the world in terms of quality of life, based on a survey of nearly 17,000 people. The list considers factors such as economic and political stability, a strong labor market, income equality, family-friendliness, safety, the quality of education, and healthcare systems. Let's find out which countries made it to the top of this list.
