Lake Amadeus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake AmadeusPantu |
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from space (November 1994)
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| Location | Northern Territory |
| Coordinates | 24°48′S 130°54′E / 24.8°S 130.9°E |
| Type | salt lake |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Max. length | 180 km |
| Max. width | 10 km |
| Surface area | 1032 km² |
| Surface elevation | 450 m |
Lake Amadeus (Pitjantjatjara: Pantu) is a huge salt lake located in the southwest part of the Northern Territory, Australia. It is about 50 kilometers north of Uluṟu, a famous rock formation. This lake is 180 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide, making it the largest salt lake in the Northern Territory.
Because the area is very dry, Lake Amadeus is usually covered by a hard crust of salt. When there is enough rain, water flows through the lake towards the east. This water eventually connects to the Finke River. Lake Amadeus holds a massive amount of salt, up to 600 million tonnes! Even though it's often dry, the lake area has several natural springs because groundwater soaks into the ground.
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Who Discovered Lake Amadeus?
The first European to find Lake Amadeus was an explorer named Ernest Giles in 1872. He was trying to reach Kata Tjuta, another large rock formation, which he had seen from far away. However, the lake blocked his path.
Giles could not cross the lake because the dry lake bed was too soft. It could not hold the weight of his horses. He described the lake as "an infernal lake of mud and brine" (meaning very salty water).
How Did Lake Amadeus Get Its Name?
Ernest Giles originally planned to name the lake "Lake Ferdinand." He wanted to name it after Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, a famous botanist. However, Mueller asked Giles to name it after someone else.
Mueller suggested naming the lake after King Amadeus I of Spain. King Amadeus had honored Mueller a few years before, so Mueller wanted to return the favor. That is how this large salt lake got its royal name.
Who Owns the Land Around Lake Amadeus?
Lake Amadeus is located on land that belongs to Aboriginal people. It is part of the Katiti and Petermann Aboriginal Land Trusts. These trusts help manage and protect the land for Aboriginal communities.
See also
- In Spanish: Lago Amadeo para niños
