Which among the following waterbodies is the most Saline waterbodies of the world ?

Correct option is D

The Gaet'ale Pond in Ethiopia is the most saline waterbody in the world.

Explanation:
● Gaet'ale Pond is located in the Danakil Depression of Ethiopia, a region known for extreme heat and geological activity.
● Its salinity is higher than 40%, making it even saltier than the Dead Sea and the Great Salt Lake.
● The high salinity is due to evaporation and the presence of mineral-rich volcanic springs.
● The water is extremely toxic and unfit for human or animal use.
● It is an important site for scientific research on extremophiles and unique ecosystems.

Information Booster:
● Other highly saline waterbodies include the Dead Sea (Jordan-Israel) and Lake Assal (Djibouti).
● Salinity levels impact buoyancy, with higher salt concentrations making it easier to float.
● Such waterbodies often support unique microorganisms adapted to extreme conditions.
● The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest places on Earth and attracts geologists and tourists.
● Saline waterbodies are significant for studying Earth's geological history.

Additional Information:

• (a) Pulicat: A brackish water lagoon in India, not highly saline.
• (b) Sambhar: India’s largest inland salt lake, but less saline than Gaet'ale Pond.