New microbialites discovered in eastern Turkey

By Sener Toktas

BITLIS, Turkey (AA) – New microbialites different in structure and shape compared to previous discoveries have been found on the shore of Turkey’s eastern Lake Van.

The microbialites were photographed by Cumali Birol, head of the culture, art, and tourism association of the town of Adilcevaz, which lies on the edge of Lake Van, and Ali Ethem Keskin, a diver and documentary filmmaker.

Microbialites are mounds of rock or benthic sedimentary deposit made of carbonate mud that are formed with the help of microbes. For billions of years microbialites played a crucial role in helping produce the oxygen-rich atmosphere that now supports life on earth.

Lake Van is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, Mustafa Akkus, an aquaculture professor at the Van Yuzuncu Yil University, told reporters on Monday.

“The world’s largest microbialites exist in Lake Van,” he said.

“The potential hydrogen level in the lake is around 9.8. In other words, its water is alkaline. Alkaline water, combined with the fresh water coming out of the bottom of the lake, drives the precipitation. Here, cyanobacteria activate and form the world’s largest microbialites.”

He said the new findings have amplified the “incredible beauty” of Lake Van and will attract many more diving enthusiasts.

Birol said research will continue on the newly discovered microbialites and more dives will also be carried out in the lake.

Keskin, the documentary filmmaker, said the serene lake is a great place for underwater photography and videography.

“I believe this [new discovery] will have a positive impact on tourism,” he said.