The level rise of Lake Rose (Retba) endangers local economy, Senegal

Sentinel-2 MSI acquired on 18 January 2018 at 11:34:09 UTC
Sentinel-2 MSI acquired on 23 December 2021 at 11:35:11 UTC
Sentinel-2 MSI acquired on 23 December 2022 at 11:34:09 UTC
Author(s): Sentinel Vision team, VisioTerra, France - svp@visioterra.fr
Keyword(s): Salt lake, precipitation, natural resources, mine, urban growth, Senegal
Fig. 1 - S2 (23.12.2021 / 23.12.2022) - Lac Rose or Lake Retba lies 30 km north-east of the Senegal capital, Dakar.
2D view 2D view
This saline lake is known for its pink colour on clear windy days, caused by Dunaliella salina algae, and its high salt content, up to 40% in some areas.
Fig. 2 - S2 (23.12.2021 / 18.01.2018 / 23.12.2022) - Usual greenish colour / occasional reddish colour / new blueish colour of Lake Rose.
2D view 2D view 2D view
Due to high precipitations in 2022 and increasing urbanisation, the lake and multiple areas around it have been flooded for months, endangering local economy.
  • Its depth rose from 2-3 m to 6 m, decreasing its salt content. It caused a colour change troublesome for the touristic industry. Furthermore, most coastal infrastructures that have been affected were dedicated to tourism.
  • 7000 T of already mined salt worth $235 000 has been lost. 3000 workers will lose their job if the salt remains inaccessible with the traditional technique.
The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Space Agency or the European Union.
Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2024, processed by VisioTerra.
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