Lake Altham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Altham |
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 Lake Altham
Location in Western Australia
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| Location | Great Southern, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 33°23′S 118°26′E / 33.383°S 118.433°E |
| Type | Wetland |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Surface area | 2.4 km2 (0.93 sq mi) |
Lake Altham is a special watery place called a wetland. It is located in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. This lake is part of a bigger group of lakes known as the Lake Grace System.
Lake Altham is found in the Shire of Kent. It is also part of the Western Mallee subregion, which is within the larger Mallee region. The lake covers an area of about 2.4 square kilometres (0.93 sq mi). It is one of four important lakes in the area. These lakes together form a DIWA-listed wetland. This means it is recognized as a wetland of national importance in Australia.
Contents
What is a Wetland?
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil. This can be all the time or just for certain periods. They can be swamps, marshes, or even lakes like Lake Altham. Wetlands are very important natural places.
Why are Wetlands Important?
Wetlands are like nature's sponges and filters. They help clean water by trapping pollution. They also store floodwaters, which helps protect nearby areas. Many different plants and animals call wetlands home.
- Home for Wildlife: Wetlands provide a safe place for many animals. Birds, fish, insects, and frogs all depend on wetlands. They find food, water, and shelter there.
- Plant Life: Special plants grow in wetlands. These plants are adapted to living in wet conditions. They help keep the wetland healthy.
- Water Quality: Wetlands act like natural filters. They remove dirt and pollution from water. This helps keep our rivers and lakes clean.
- Flood Control: During heavy rains, wetlands can soak up extra water. This helps prevent floods in towns and farms.
Lake Altham's Location
Lake Altham is in Western Australia. This is the largest state in Australia. The lake is specifically in the Great Southern region. This region is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse environments.
The Shire of Kent
The lake is located within the Shire of Kent. A shire is a type of local government area in Australia. The Shire of Kent helps manage the land and resources in its area. This includes protecting important natural sites like Lake Altham.
The Mallee Region
Lake Altham is also part of the Mallee region. The Mallee is a unique type of bushland. It is named after the "mallee" eucalypt trees that grow there. These trees have multiple stems growing from an underground rootstock.
- Western Mallee Subregion: Lake Altham is in the Western Mallee part of this region. This area has its own special plants and animals. They are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.
A Nationally Important Wetland
Lake Altham is part of a group of lakes that are very special. They are listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (DIWA). This listing means the wetland is recognized for its national importance.
What Does DIWA Mean?
Being DIWA-listed means the wetland meets certain criteria. These criteria show that it is very important for Australia's environment. It might be important for rare animals, unique plants, or for its role in water systems.
- Protecting Nature: The DIWA listing helps protect these wetlands. It encourages people to look after them. This ensures they stay healthy for future generations.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Important wetlands often have many different types of life. They are like busy neighborhoods for plants and animals.
Size of Lake Altham
Lake Altham covers an area of about 2.4 square kilometres (0.93 sq mi). To give you an idea, this is roughly the size of 240 standard football fields. It's a significant area of water and land. This size allows it to support a good variety of wetland life.
