Photo of the Day

December 12, 2016

Rare Jewel

In Brazil’s Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, a blue-and-green lagoon looks like a brilliant abalone shell embedded in the silky sand dunes for which the park is noted. Photographer Akiko M. made this photo in June, when rainstorms pummel the area and pooling rainwater creates lagoons. Once the rainy season is over, however, the lagoons quickly disappear, as seen in this image, which shows this lagoon’s rapidly declining water level. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community.
Photograph by Akiko M., National Geographic Your Shot
DON'T MISS THE REST OF THIS STORY!
Create a free account to continue and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles, plus newsletters.

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

Create your free account to continue reading

No credit card required. Unlimited access to free content.
Or get a Premium Subscription to access the best of Nat Geo - just $19
SUBSCRIBE