Mono Lake Close up South Tufa sunset

The extremely high salinity and alkalinity of Mono Lake has created a rare ecosystem, supporting a complex food chain of green algae, brine shrimp and alkali flies, and more than 80 species of migratory birds. Sunsets in the South Tufa region are legendary. All kinds of colors in the sky, makes for wonderful photos. This photo shows a closeup of a tufa and the sunset.

October at Mono Lake, and the sunrise was painting the clouds in shades of pink and orange. The tufa towers in the foreground were catching the first light, their textures standing out against the smooth water.

Mono Lake, California · 2010