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NASA Astronaut Captures Stunning Turbidity Plumes in Lake Van

8/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

NASA astronaut Kate Rubins photographed Lake Van, Turkey, revealing rare turbidity plumes from lakebed disturbances.
Lake Van, the largest alkaline lake globally, has a pH of approximately 10 and is situated 1,640 meters above sea level.
The observed milky swirls consist mainly of calcium carbonate, not algal blooms, resulting from mineral-rich clouds.
The lake's distinct chemistry has developed over 600,000 years, influencing its water levels and mineral concentrations.

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Story summary

NASA astronaut Kate Rubins photographed Lake Van, Turkey, revealing rare turbidity plumes from lakebed disturbances.
Lake Van, the largest alkaline lake globally, has a pH of approximately 10 and is situated 1,640 meters above sea level.
The observed milky swirls consist mainly of calcium carbonate, not algal blooms, resulting from mineral-rich clouds.
The lake's distinct chemistry has developed over 600,000 years, influencing its water levels and mineral concentrations.