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This intriguing lake in Trinidad produces asphalt used to build roads at Buckingham Palace, LaGuardia Airport, and the Lincoln Tunnel connecting New York to New Jersey
It wasn’t until 1792 that the Spaniards began purifying the asphalt, naming the site ‘Tierra de Brea’ or ‘Earth of Pitch’. (Representative/News18 Hindi)
La Brea Pitch Lake, located on the south-western coast of Trinidad, has long been regarded as the “eighth wonder of the world” 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—microbes are alive under the lake’s 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—resembling black soil—forms small pools during the rainy season. Locals believe these sulfur-rich pools are “life-giving fountains” beneficial for skin problems and joint pain.
The lake was first discovered in 1595 by British explorer Sir Walter Raleigh while searching for ‘El Dorado’. It wasn’t until 1792 that the Spaniards began purifying the asphalt, naming the site ‘Tierra de Brea’ or ‘Earth of Pitch’, which later became ‘La Brea’. 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’s mystique.
La Brea Pitch Lake continues to be a source of fascination and mystery, drawing interest from scientists and visitors alike.
- Location :
Trinidad & Tobago
- First Published: