Spotted Lake, September 2001--a much drier year, with only a small part of the lake still containing enough water to reflect the hills and the sky. Spotted Lake can be spotted from Highway 3, 8.8 kms (5.5 miles) west of Osoyoos. It is a rare natural phenomenon covering 15.2 hectares (38 acres), containing one of the world's highest concentrations of minerals: magnesium sulfate (epsom salts), calcium and sodium sulfates, plus eight other minerals and traces of four more, including silver and titanium. As the summer progresses the lake dries out, its mud forming into white, pale yellow, green and blue circles depending on its mineral composition. Known as Kliluk to the natives of the Okanagan Valley, the lake is a sacred and culturally significant site whose potential for commercial exploitation recently generated much controversy.
Vanishing B.C. Spotted Lake near Osoyoos
Red tide is a phenomenon caused by algal blooms (Wikipedia definition) during which algae become so numerous that they discolor coastal waters (hence the name "red tide"). The algal bloom may also deplete oxygen in the waters and/or release toxins that may cause illness in humans and other animals. Species in the United States that release these harmful toxins include:
- Alexandrium fundyense – found along the Atlantic coast from the Canadian Maritimes to southern New England
- Alexandrium catenella – found along the Pacific coast from California to Alaska
- Karenia brevis – found in the Gulf of Mexico along the west coast of Florida
Penitentes date back at least a thousand years to the flagellant orders in Spain and Italy. However, the current incarnation of the Brotherhood dates to the early 19th century. Following Mexican independence from Spain in 1821, Church authorities in Mexico withdrew the Franciscan, Dominican and Jesuit missionaries from its provinces, replacing them with secular priests. They failed, however, to replace the missionaries with an equal number of priests, depriving many secluded communities of a resident clergyman. Accordingly, many of those small communities could expect only a once-yearly visit from a parish priest.
Penitentes (New Mexico - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
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