2. Las Coloradas, Mexico
The pink lakes of Las Coloradas, part of an industrial salt production complex in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, have unintentionally become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in North America. These expansive salt ponds stretch along the coastline, creating a mosaic of pink and rose-colored waters that starkly contrast with the blue sky above. The vibrant pigment is produced by red halophilic bacteria, brine shrimp, and specific algae species that thrive in the hypersaline environment. The lakes' salt concentration is so high that salt crystals often form along their edges, creating natural walkways that glisten in the sunlight. The traditional salt-harvesting methods used here date back to the Mayan civilization, adding a rich historical context to this geological marvel.
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