The Great Rift Valley, a geological wonder of our world, has been making headlines with its awe-inspiring natural phenomena. One such spectacle is the rising of Lake Nakuru, a captivating event that has been unfolding over recent years. In this blog, we will explore the intriguing story of how the Rift Valley is gradually transforming this iconic Kenyan lake.
The Rift Valley's Slow Split: The Great Rift Valley is an immense geological feature that stretches across East Africa. It's a place where the Earth's crust is pulling apart, creating a series of faults and valleys. This colossal process is occurring at a snail's pace, with the Rift Valley splitting at an astonishingly slow rate of about 2 millimeters per year. While this rate may seem negligible in the short term, it holds profound implications for the distant future. In tens of millions of years, this process will eventually sever East Africa from the rest of the continent.
“The Rift Valley splitting at an astonishingly slow rate of about 2 millimeters per year.”
The Hidden Aquifer Theory: One of the prevailing theories behind the rising waters of Lake Nakuru involves the discovery of a hidden underground aquifer. As the Rift Valley gradually separates, it creates fissures and fractures in the Earth's crust. These fractures can act as conduits for the movement of groundwater from previously unknown sources. Over time, this influx of fresh water has been making its way into the lakes of the Rift Valley, including Lake Nakuru.
Sinking Building by Front Gate | Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya | Olympus OM-D E-M10 iiiS | December, 2023
The Impact on Lake Nakuru: The rising waters of Lake Nakuru have had a profound impact on the local ecosystem. As the lake's boundaries expand, new habitats are created for both aquatic and terrestrial life. Flamingos, a renowned symbol of Lake Nakuru, have left the lake for reasons I’m yet to figure out. The bird population remains diverse.
Regardless, it’s an amazing National Park to visit and I highly recommend spending a couple days there. Check out Sarova Lion Hill while you’re there. Their service is superb.