The Rio Tinto, in Andalusia, Spain, gets its strange color from dissolving iron deposits in the highly acidic water. Beginning more than 5,000 years ago, this area was mined for gold, silver, and other treasures. And archeological evidence suggests that about 3,000 years ago this may have been the site of King Solomon’s legendary mines. Scientists believe that pollution from the mines contributed to the extreme ecological conditions we see in the Rio Tinto today.
The otherworldly red river
Today in History
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Groovy!
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The Roaches ridge in the Peak District, England
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What s better than a smile?
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Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta
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Sea fireflies at the seashore
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National Find a Rainbow Day
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Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
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Bridge of Hillsborough County
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Jane’s Carousel delights
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At the shore of an inland sea
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Happy 50th for the National Trails System!
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Menton, France
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Heceta Head Light, Florence, Oregon
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Hello, harbinger of spring
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3, 2, 1 … Happy New Year!
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World Laughter Day—it s a hoot
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An island hopper s paradise
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A narrow passage
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Negratín Reservoir, Granada, Spain
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Earth at Perihelion
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Colorful cows of the reef
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Diving into World Oceans Day
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Up in the Highlands
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Celebrating Bike to Work Week, May 14-18
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Napping away New Year s Day
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Fox kits
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Golden larches and Prusik Peak, the Enchantments, Washington
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Frog Month
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Ringing in the new year at Teotihuacan