Lake As Pontes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake As Pontes |
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 Lake As Pontes
Location in Galicia
Lake As Pontes
Location in Spain
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| Location | As Pontes, A Coruña, Galicia |
| Coordinates | 43°27′27″N 7°56′55″W / 43.4574°N 7.9486°W |
| Type | artificial |
| Primary inflows | Eume |
| Basin countries | Spain |
| Managing agency | Endesa |
| First flooded | 2008 |
| Max. length | 5 km (3.1 mi) |
| Max. width | 2 km (1.2 mi) |
| Surface area | 865 ha (2,140 acres) |
| Average depth | 150 m (490 ft) |
| Max. depth | 206 m (676 ft) |
| Shore length1 | 17.8 km (11.1 mi) |
| Settlements | As Pontes |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Lake As Pontes (also known as Lago de As Pontes in Spanish or Lago das Pontes in Galician) is a very large artificial lake in the town of As Pontes, located in Galicia (Spain). An artificial lake is a lake that has been created by people, usually by building a dam or filling a large hole.
This lake is special because it was made in a place that used to be a huge coal mine. The Spanish energy company Endesa used to dig for coal here. Once the lake is completely filled with water, it will become the biggest lake in all of Spain!
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How Lake As Pontes Was Created
Lake As Pontes is a great example of how people can change the land and then help it recover. It wasn't always a lake; it was once a very busy open-pit mine.
From Mine to Lake: A Big Transformation
For many years, the area where the lake now sits was a massive open-pit mine. This means that workers dug a huge hole in the ground to get to the lignite, which is a type of soft coal. This coal was used to make electricity. When the mine closed, Endesa, the company that owned it, decided to turn the giant hole into a lake. This project started in 2008.
Filling the Giant Hole with Water
To create the lake, they started filling the old mine with water. Most of the water comes from the Eume River, which flows into the lake. It takes a long time to fill such a huge space. The process of filling the lake is a big environmental project, showing how old industrial sites can be changed into natural-looking areas.
Size and Features of Lake As Pontes
Lake As Pontes is truly enormous, making it a significant landmark in Spain.
Measuring the Lake's Dimensions
When it's fully filled, Lake As Pontes will be the largest lake in Spain.
- It stretches about 5 km (3.1 mi) long.
- It is about 2 km (1.2 mi) wide.
- The total area it covers is around 865 ha (2,140 acres), which is a huge amount of space!
- The lake can be very deep, reaching about 150 m (490 ft) in most places.
- At its deepest point, it goes down to 206 m (676 ft). That's taller than many skyscrapers!
- The shoreline, which is the edge of the lake, is about 17.8 km (11.1 mi) long.
What Lives in the Lake?
As the lake fills up and becomes a stable environment, different kinds of plants and animals start to make it their home. This process is called ecological succession. Scientists and environmentalists are working to make sure the lake becomes a healthy place for fish, birds, and other wildlife. This helps to bring nature back to an area that was once used for industry.
Location and Importance
Lake As Pontes is located in the beautiful region of Galicia, in northwestern Spain.
Where is As Pontes?
The town of As Pontes is in the province of A Coruña, within the region of Galicia. This area is known for its green landscapes and many rivers. The lake is a new feature that adds to the natural beauty of the region.
Why is This Lake Important?
Lake As Pontes is important for several reasons:
- Environmental Recovery: It shows how a large industrial site can be cleaned up and turned into something natural and beautiful.
- Water Source: It provides a large body of water that can be used for various purposes in the future.
- Recreation: Over time, the lake could become a popular spot for activities like boating, fishing, and swimming, bringing visitors to the area.
- Biodiversity: It creates new habitats for plants and animals, helping to increase the variety of life in the region.
