By News18
La Brea Pitch Lake, located on the south-western coast of Trinidad, has long been regarded as the 鈥渆ighth wonder of the world鈥 by locals. This incredible natural phenomenon, which covers an area of approximately 109 acres, is the largest natural asphalt mine in the world, containing about ten million tons of asphalt. The lake has fascinated people for centuries and remains a mystery to science.
One of the most intriguing aspects of La Brea Pitch Lake is its ability to produce asphalt, which has been used to construct roads in various famous locations, including Buckingham Palace in England, La Guardia Airport in New York, and the Lincoln Tunnel connecting New York to New Jersey. In addition, it has been used on roads in several countries.
Recently, a study by the European Space Agency made a surprising discovery鈥攎icrobes are alive under the lake鈥檚 surface. Scientists believe these microorganisms may provide insights into the possibility of life on other planets.
People say the lake looks like a vast black parking lot from a distance, but up close, its rough, wavy surface鈥攔esembling black soil鈥攆orms small pools during the rainy season. Locals believe these sulfur-rich pools are 鈥渓ife-giving fountains鈥 beneficial for skin problems and joint pain.
The lake was first discovered in 1595 by British explorer Sir Walter Raleigh while searching for 鈥楨l Dorado鈥. It wasn鈥檛 until 1792 that the Spaniards began purifying the asphalt, naming the site 鈥楾ierra de Brea鈥 or 鈥楨arth of Pitch鈥, which later became 鈥楲a Brea鈥. The local Amerindian community considered the lake to be the wrath of the gods, with legends suggesting that a tribe perished in the lake after eating hummingbirds believed to be the spirits of ancestors.
Excavations at the site have uncovered various archaeological remains, including a wooden bench carved in the shape of an animal, bearing the name of the artisan. These artefacts are preserved in the local museum, adding to the lake鈥檚 mystique.
La Brea Pitch Lake continues to be a source of fascination and mystery, drawing interest from scientists and visitors alike.