Lake in the heart of the Sahara Desert

About 10 thousand years ago, this area was the only large lake in the tens of kilometers long. As the climate in recent years has changed dramatically, the lake has decreased, while expanding dunes split it into several small ponds. 18 lakes - this is all that came to our days. This NASA photo taken Nov. 14, 2009: Lake Unianga located in the small pool at the foot of the sandstone cliffs where the ancient underground water flows. Despite the intense heat and the high percentage of evaporation, groundwater sources are strong enough to feed the lake water. This unique hydrological system is able to feed even the largest lakes in the world, if they were in a dry environment.

What happens to lakes in an area hit by forest fires and floods? Some will glow in the dark.
For a cluster of lakes in Australia's eastern Victoria, the combination of the fire and then the rain washed ash and nitrogen-rich soil into the water. The Gippsland Lakes experienced a rise in sea level. That caused the lakes to mix with sea water, which also raised the salinity.
This recipe led to the introduction of a species of algae called Noctiluca scintillans, commonly known as "sea sparkle." The bioluminescent brew gave the water a nocturnal glow.