Colored lakes of Kelimutu volcano: a miracle of nature of the Indonesian island of Flores

Among the many Indonesian islands, Flores stands out for the presence of an amazing volcano called Kelimutu. Despite the fact that it is an active volcano, three lakes are located in its crater at once. And the lakes themselves are so unpredictable that every few years, the water in these reservoirs changes color from dark green to burgundy.

Flores Island is part of the Small Sunda Islands group and has a small area - only 13,540 square meters. km Among the stormy tropical vegetation of the island there are active volcanoes, among which the most interesting is Kelimutu.

Kelimutu is located in the southeastern part of the island and has a height of 1639 meters. The volcano is active and the last time it erupted in the late 60s of the last century. Kelimutu is completely different from other volcanoes; its slopes are not strewn with lifeless ashes, but are occupied by tropical greenery. In addition, in the extinct crater of the volcano, three lakes are peacefully located, which even have their own names: Tivu-Ata-Mbupu, Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai and Tivu-Ata-Polo. Tivu Ata Mbupu is located at some distance from two other lakes. In addition to exotic names, these lakes have one interesting feature: the water in them periodically changes color. Most often, the color of the water changes in Lake Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai. According to local residents, over the past 12 years, such miracles have happened to him 6 times.

The Indonesians living on the island of Flores are sure that the souls of their ancestors live in these lakes, and the mysterious color changes indicate that they are angry with something. The water in the lakes is turquoise, blue, green, red and even black.

But scientists, of course, do not like this explanation. The most likely reason for such a dramatic change in the color of water is the presence of dissolved minerals and gases entering the surface from the bowels of the volcano. Since the volcano is active, new portions of chemical compounds periodically arrive at the bottom of the lakes. For example, the presence of hydrochloric and sulfuric acid gives the water an emerald hue, and a red hue indicates a chemical reaction of hydrogen sulfide with iron compounds.

Around the volcano is the national park of the same name, and thousands of tourists come here every year to enjoy the mysterious lakes. But it is better not to approach the lakes themselves, since they exude vapors of toxic gases. You can admire the unusual color of water at a specially equipped observation deck.