Lake Cairlocup facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Cairlocup |
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 Lake Cairlocup
Location in Western Australia
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| Location | Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 33°43′33″S 118°44′41″E / 33.72583°S 118.74472°E |
| Type | Salt lake |
| Catchment area | 4,000 ha (9,900 acres) |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Surface area | 340 ha (840 acres) |
Lake Cairlocup is a special kind of lake in the Great Southern area of Western Australia. It's about 42 km (26 mi) north-west of Jerramungup and 95 km (59 mi) south-east of Lake Grace. This lake is known as an ephemeral salt lake.
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Discovering Lake Cairlocup
Lake Cairlocup is a fascinating natural feature. It's called a salt lake because its water has a high amount of salt, much like the ocean. This happens when water flows into the lake but can only leave by evaporating, leaving the salt behind.
What Does 'Ephemeral' Mean?
The word ephemeral means something that lasts for only a short time. For Lake Cairlocup, this means the lake doesn't always have water. It fills up after heavy rains, becoming a large body of water. But during dry periods, the water evaporates, and the lake bed can become completely dry, sometimes looking like a vast, flat salt pan.
Where is Lake Cairlocup Located?
Lake Cairlocup is found in the south-western part of Australia, in the state of Western Australia. It's part of the Great Southern region, which is known for its unique landscapes and wildlife. The lake covers an area of about 340 ha (840 acres), which is roughly the size of 340 football fields!
Plants That Call the Lake Home
Even though Lake Cairlocup is a salt lake and can dry up, special plants have adapted to live around its edges. These plants are tough and can handle the salty soil and changing water levels.
- Hakea brachyptera: This plant is a type of Hakea, known for its interesting flowers and tough leaves. It's well-suited to dry, salty conditions.
- Lechenaultia acutiloba: This is a beautiful flowering plant from the Lechenaultia family. It adds splashes of color to the landscape around the lake.
- Angianthus halophilus: This small plant is part of the Angianthus group. The word "halophilus" means "salt-loving," which tells you it thrives in salty environments.
- Goodenia salina: Another plant that loves salt, from the Goodenia family. It's specially adapted to grow in the unique conditions near salt lakes.
These plants play an important role in the ecosystem around Lake Cairlocup. They help to stabilize the soil and provide habitat for small animals and insects that can survive in this environment.
