Calafquén Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calafquén Lake |
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 Calafquén Lake
Location in Chile
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| Coordinates | 39°31′12″S 72°08′50″W / 39.52000°S 72.14722°W |
| Type | Glacial, moraine-dammed |
| Primary inflows | Llancahue River |
| Primary outflows | Pullinque River |
| Basin countries | Chile |
| Max. length | 25 km (16 mi) |
| Max. width | 7.7 km (4.8 mi) |
| Surface area | 120.6 km2 (46.6 sq mi) |
| Max. depth | 207 m (679 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 209 m (686 ft) |
| Settlements | Coñaripe, Calafquén, Licán Ray |
Calafquén Lake is a beautiful lake in Chile. Its name comes from the Mapudungun language. It means "Lake like a sea." This large lake sits right on the border. It divides the La Araucanía Region and the Los Ríos Region.
Calafquén Lake is one of the famous Seven Lakes in the area. It is also part of a bigger water system. This system drains into the Valdivia River.
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Calafquén Lake: A Natural Wonder
Calafquén Lake is a very important natural feature in Chile. It offers stunning views and is a popular spot for visitors. The lake's clear waters and surrounding nature make it special.
How Was Calafquén Lake Formed?
Calafquén Lake is a glacial lake. This means it was created by huge, slow-moving rivers of ice called glaciers. As glaciers moved, they carved out the land. When the ice melted, it filled these deep hollows with water.
It is also a moraine-dammed lake. A moraine is a pile of rocks and dirt left behind by a glacier. In this case, a moraine acts like a natural dam. It holds the lake's water in place.
Where is Calafquén Lake Located?
This impressive lake is found in the southern part of Chile. It stretches across two different regions. These are the La Araucanía Region and the Los Ríos Region. The lake is a key landmark for both areas.
Size and Depth of the Lake
Calafquén Lake is quite large. It is about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) long. It is also about 7.7 kilometers (4.8 miles) wide. The total area of the lake is around 120.6 square kilometers (46.6 square miles).
The lake is also very deep. At its deepest point, it reaches about 207 meters (679 feet). This makes it one of the deeper lakes in the region. The surface of the lake is about 209 meters (686 feet) above sea level.
Rivers and Nearby Cities
The Llancahue River flows into Calafquén Lake. This river brings fresh water to the lake. The Pullinque River flows out of the lake. It carries water away to other areas.
Several towns and cities are located around the lake. These include Coñaripe, Calafquén, and Licán Ray. These communities often rely on the lake for tourism and other activities.
The Villarrica Volcano
The famous Villarrica Volcano is located near the lake. It sits to the north of Calafquén Lake. This active volcano adds to the dramatic scenery of the area. It is a popular attraction for tourists.
