Multicoloured algal landscape Just north of the Strait of Gibraltar that marks the gateway between t
Multicoloured algal landscapeJust north of the Strait of Gibraltar that marks the gateway between the Atlantic and Mediterranean is the Bahia de Cadiz, the embayment surrounding one of the oldest cities beyond the Pillars of Hercules that has been around since at least Phoenician times. Part of the bay has been designated a natural park, encompassing many environments such as wetlands, marshes, beaches, dunes and the mouth of the river Guadalete, including its attendant tidal inlets. Salt was mined here in ancient times, and Romans used it to prepare their rotten fish gut sauce called garum that they spread liberally over their food. As well as a haven for birds (including grebes, cormorants, sea eagles and flamingos), it is a contact zone between marine and freshwater ecosystems. The aerial photograph taken in the springtime takes advantage of one of nature’s shows. As the region warms again after winter, changes in salinity cause algal and bacterial blooms in varied hues, from vivid green to bright yellow or orange, alternating with the odd bright white salt deposit. .LozImage credit: Pere Soler/2015 Wildlife Photographer of the Yearhttp://bit.ly/1Omuo1Shttp://bit.ly/1jpQCmD -- source link
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