Record #00474Nature archive
Gaet'ale Pond in Ethiopia's Danakil Depression was found to contain 433 g of dissolved salts per kilogram of water—43.3% by mass—exceeding commonly reported salinity for Antarctica's Don Juan Pond.
Current Record
43.3%
Current record value
A 2017 original study in Aquatic Geochemistry by researchers at Addis Ababa University examined the small hypersaline pond chemically and documented its exceptionally high total dissolved solids.
The brine was dominated by calcium and magnesium chlorides at a Ca:Mg mass ratio of about 3.1. Density and chemical tests supported the findings, while evaporation, replenishment and sampling conditions mean salinity can vary.
The record conclusion has sufficient verification support.
Basis: direct confirmation by an authority
A 2017 peer-reviewed primary study found 433 g/kg total dissolved solids (43.3% by mass) and identified Gaet'ale as the most saline sampled natural water body; Guinness reports the same figure. Salinity can vary, and publication does not establish a natural-record start date.
Current Entry identifies the current entry in this archive; it does not establish that the record is still held today.
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