Rarely does Nature present such a striking contradiction as the one found in Lencois Maranhenses National Park. Located along Brazil’s northeastern coast, the park unveils breathtaking scenery, where rippling sands meet crystal-clear lagoons. Under the sun’s golden glow, the waters glitter in shades of turquoise and emerald. So surreal is this spectacle that visitors might wonder if they’re gazing at a digitally modified photo rather than a living landscape.
Were it not for the unique geographical and climatic conditions, such a marvel would not exist. Unlike typical deserts, Lencois Maranhenses receives a substantial amount of rainfall, particularly during the rainy season from January to May. Crucially, beneath the surface lies an impermeable layer of rock that prevents the water from draining away. Consequently, rainwater accumulates in the valleys between the dunes, forming the spectacular lagoons that have become the park’s signature feature.
Equally fascinating is the variety of wildlife that has adapted to this unusual environment. One of the most remarkable creatures is the wolf fish, a species that thrives in the temporary lagoons. When drought is upon them, these fish burrow deep into the sand, reaching the moist mud below, where they enter a state of dormancy. Only when the rainy season returns do they emerge to feed on insects and smaller fish. Similarly, the park’s plant life has evolved to endure the harsh conditions, with many species possessing deep root systems or the ability to store water for extended periods.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia commons 照片：維基共享資源提供
Such adaptations highlight the delicate yet resilient balance that sustains life in this extraordinary park. It’s not only a magical place where the boundaries between deserts and oases blur, but also an exceptional site for nature observation. Scientists and nature enthusiasts alike venture into this amazing wilderness, discovering with each visit how life persistently finds its way even in seemingly impossible environments.
大自然極少出現像倫索伊斯-馬拉年塞斯國家公園那樣鮮明的對比。位於巴西東北部海岸，這座公園呈現出令人屏息的景色，波浪般起伏的白色沙丘與清澈見底的潟湖相互交織。在金色陽光的照耀下，水面閃爍著碧綠與青綠的光芒。這景象如此超現實，讓遊客懷疑自己看到的是否為經過電腦修圖的照片，而不是一處真實存在的自然景觀。
如果沒有獨特的地理和氣候條件，這般壯觀的景致就不會存在。與一般沙漠不同，倫索伊斯-馬拉年塞斯地區每年會迎來豐沛的降雨，尤其在每年一月到五月的雨季更為明顯。關鍵的是，沙丘下方有一層不透水的岩石層，能防止水分流失。因此，雨水便在沙丘之間的低谷處積聚，形成了壯觀的潟湖，這些潟湖也成為了該公園最具代表性的特色。
同樣令人著迷的還有各種適應這片特殊環境的野生動植物。其中最令人驚嘆的是南美牙魚，這種魚類在臨時潟湖中繁衍生息。當乾季來臨時，這些魚會鑽入沙中，深入到濕潤的泥土層裡進入休眠狀態。等到雨季再次到來，牠們才會出來覓食昆蟲和小魚。同樣地，公園裡的植物也演化以適應嚴酷的環境，許多物種擁有深層的根系或長時間儲存水分的能力。
這些適應凸顯了這座非凡公園中脆弱卻堅韌的生態平衡。這裡不僅是沙漠與綠洲界限模糊的魔法地帶，也是觀察自然的絕佳場所。科學家和自然愛好者紛紛前來探索這片奇妙的荒野，每一次的造訪都會發現生命如何在看似不可能的環境中頑強地生存。
MORE INFORMATION
surreal adj. 超現實的；夢幻般的
lagoon n. 潟湖
turquoise n. 青綠色
emerald n. 翠綠色
impermeable adj. 不可滲透的
dune n. 沙丘
burrow v. 打洞；掘洞
dormancy n. 休眠狀態
resilient adj. 適應性強的
oasis n. 綠洲（複數 oases）
KEY VOCABULARY
1. contradiction n. 矛盾
The activist’s statement about wanting peace was a clear contradiction to his decision to start a violent protest in the city center.
那名積極分子說想要和平，卻在市中心發動暴力抗議，這顯然是自相矛盾。
2. unveil vt. 揭開；使……公諸於眾
After months of preparation, the team finally unveiled the sculpture in a special ceremony held at the city square. 經過數月準備，這個團隊終於在城市廣場的特別典禮中揭幕這座雕像。
3. ripple v.（使）起漣漪；如波浪般起伏
As the breeze gently passed over the lake, the surface began to ripple, reflecting the golden sunlight.
當微風輕輕吹過湖面時，水面開始泛起漣漪並反射金色陽光。
4. glitter vi. 閃爍；閃耀
Betsy’s necklace glittered so brightly under the lights that it caught everyone’s attention as she walked into the room. 貝琪走進房間時，項鍊在燈光下閃閃發亮，立刻吸引了大家的目光。
5. spectacle n. 壯觀景象
The northern lights created a breathtaking spectacle in the sky, with waves of color dancing across the night.
北極光在夜空中形成令人驚嘆的壯觀景象，色彩如波浪般舞動著。
6. accumulate v. 累積；積聚
If you do not clean your room regularly, dust and dirt will accumulate quickly.
如果你不定期打掃房間，灰塵與髒污會快速累積。
7. sustain vt. 維持；供養
Farmers in the area rely on seasonal rain to sustain their crops and provide food for their families.
當地農民仰賴季節性降雨來維持作物生長並供應家人食物。
8. boundary n. 界線；邊界
The fence was built to clearly mark the boundary between our property and the neighbor’s farmland.
這道圍欄被建造來清楚標示我們的土地與鄰近農地之間的界線。
9. persistently adv. 持續地；堅持不懈地
Despite many failures, the inventor persistently worked on his design until
it finally succeeded. 儘管經歷多次失敗，那位發明家仍堅持改良設計，直到成功為止。
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