Green Lake (Southland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green Lake |
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 Green Lake
Location in New Zealand
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| Coordinates | 45°47′45″S 167°23′45″E / 45.79583°S 167.39583°E |
| Basin countries | New Zealand |
| Surface area | 4.7 square kilometres (1.8 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 822 metres (2,697 ft) |
Green Lake is a special lake found in the beautiful Hunter Mountains of New Zealand. It is located in the Southland Region, not far from another lake called Lake Monowai. This lake is quite unique because it doesn't have rivers flowing out of it on the surface. Instead, its water likely goes into streams that lead to Lake Monowai through underground springs.
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What Makes Green Lake Unique?
Green Lake is famous for being part of the largest known landslide above sea level on Earth. This huge landslide is called the Green Lake Landslide. The lake itself sits in the basin created by this massive event.
The Green Lake Landslide
Imagine a giant piece of land sliding down a mountain. That's what a landslide is! The Green Lake Landslide is incredibly big. Scientists believe it moved about 27 cubic kilometres (6.5 cu mi) of rock and soil. This makes it the largest known landslide that happened above the ocean's surface.
The steep cliffs on the north and east sides of Green Lake are actually the "head scarp" of this landslide. This means they are the top edge where the land first broke away.
How Water Flows in Green Lake
Unlike many lakes, Green Lake does not have any rivers or streams flowing out of it on the surface. This is quite unusual! Instead, the water from Green Lake probably seeps into the ground. It then feeds several streams that eventually reach Lake Monowai through underground springs.
Visiting Green Lake
If you enjoy hiking and exploring nature, Green Lake is a great place to visit. The New Zealand Department of Conservation helps look after this area. They maintain a special hut on the northern shore of the lake. This hut is part of a popular walking track called the Borland Road / Lake Monowai circuit. It is a great spot for trampers (hikers) to rest and enjoy the stunning scenery.
