The color indicates the salinity of the ponds and the pop in of microorganisms thats breeding on it.
Three microorganisms in particular, Synechococcus, Halobacteria, and Dunaliella, influence the color of salt ponds.
As the brines concentrate, several algae, including Dunaliella, impart a green cast to the brines.
With increasing salinity, Dunaliella out-competes other microorganisms and hues vary from pale green to bright chartreuse.
The palette of salt pond colors reflects an unusual micro-biota.
Yet it is more than just a curiosity of nature.
