Cami Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cami LakeFagnano Lake |
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 Cami Lake
Fagnano Lake Location in Argentina
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| Location | Ushuaia Department / Tolhuin Department, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina / Tierra del Fuego Province, Magallanes and Antártica Chilena Region, Chile |
| Coordinates | 54°32′36″S 67°59′00″W / 54.54333°S 67.98333°W |
| Primary outflows | Azopardo River |
| Catchment area | 3,481 km (2,163 mi) |
| Basin countries | Argentina, Chile |
| Max. length | 98 km (61 mi) |
| Surface area | 645 km2 (249 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 193.8 m (636 ft) |
| Max. depth | 449 m (1,473 ft) |
| Water volume | 125 km3 (30 cu mi) |
| Shore length1 | 269 km (167 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 140 m (460 ft) |
| Settlements | Tolhuin |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Fagnano Lake, also known as Lake Cami, is a large lake found on the main island of Tierra del Fuego. This amazing lake is shared by two countries: Argentina and Chile.
It stretches for about 98 kilometers (61 miles) from east to west. Most of the lake, about 72.5 kilometers (45 miles) or 606 square kilometers (234 sq mi), is in Argentina. A smaller part, about 13.5 kilometers (8.4 miles) or 39 square kilometers (15 sq mi), is in Chile.
Fagnano Lake is very deep, reaching a maximum depth of 449 meters (1,473 feet). The southern side of the lake has steep banks. The northern side is flatter, with wide areas where you can see the surrounding plateaus. A town called Tolhuin is located at the eastern end of the lake. From its western end, the Azopardo River flows out towards the Almirantazgo Fjord.
How Fagnano Lake Was Formed
This huge lake sits in a special type of valley called a "pull-apart basin." This basin was created by the movement of the Magallanes–Fagnano Fault zone. Think of it like two giant pieces of land slowly pulling apart, creating a dip where water can collect.
An Ancient Myth About the Lake
The Selk'nam people, who are the native people of this land, have a fascinating story about how Fagnano Lake was created. According to their myth, the lake was formed during a big fight.
The myth says that a powerful being named Taiyín was fighting a witch. This witch was trying to keep all the water and food for herself. As they fought, their slingshots fell to the earth. Wherever a slingshot landed, a new body of water was formed. This is how the Selk'nam people believe Fagnano Lake, along with the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel, came into existence.
See also
In Spanish: Lago Fagnano para niños
