TOXIC BEAUTY

PHOTOGRAPHS BY: JASON TREMMER

The transatlantic pipeline implemented centuries ago had a direct effect on Alaskan lakes. Today, these bodies of water are flooded with tar and oil, creating captivating but immensely poisonous waters. Photographers visit sites like this to explore their beauty.

Some of the most beautiful water bodies of the Earth are simultaneously the most toxic and dangerous water masses. Within natural preserves and reservoirs, there is an array of colorful masterpieces that can leave humans in awe. These aesthetic and beautiful water bodies remind us of nature’s complexity and marvelous capabilities. Nature’s artwork deceives us; as beautiful as these reservoirs may seem, they are actually composed of toxic chemicals that pose a threat to human life. Carbonated air bubbles filled with rubble from abandoned crackled roads congest the river causing heat to fume from the water. The water has been measured to be over 500 degrees Fahrenheit. To date, no animal has been found in these waters; researchers deduce that is due to the very hot temperatures in and around these bodies. Despite a stunning appearance, these hot waters are a reminder that nature’s beauty can sometimes be camouflaged in toxicity.

At the border of the river, or what could be called the shore on a beach, grow small plants that adjust to varying temperatures. The crystallized edges of the river create mesmerizing shapes that resemble abstract art. These waters have been tested by scientists who have found radionuclides such as iodine-131, cesium-134 and cesium-137. The merging of these chemicals with the water cause the edges of the river to crystallize and create oddly beautiful effects.

In between rocks, small ponds have formed within historical oil fracking sites from over 500 years ago. The oil blended with the toxic chemicals in the air has caused the water to alter in color. Picturesque, resembling children’s tie dye, these small ponds have a strong stench that can be smelled from miles away.