Lake Ercina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Ercina |
|
|---|---|
Lago Ercina in summer-autumn.
|
|
 Lake Ercina
Location in Spain
|
|
| Location | Asturias, Spain |
| Group | Lakes of Covadonga |
| Coordinates | 43°16′04″N 4°58′51″W / 43.267861°N 4.980917°W |
| Type | lake |
| Surface area | 8 hectares (20 acres) |
| Max. depth | 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) |
| Surface elevation | 1,108 metres (3,635 ft) |
Lake Ercina is a beautiful, small lake located high up in the mountains of Asturias, a region in northern Spain. It's nestled within the stunning Picos de Europa mountain range, which is part of the larger Cantabrian Mountains.
This special lake is one of the famous Lakes of Covadonga, a group of two glacial lakes that are a big attraction in the Picos de Europa National Park. Lake Ercina is smaller than its neighbor, Lake Enol. It sits at an altitude of about 1,108 meters (3,635 feet) above sea level, and its deepest point is only a little over 2 meters (6.5 feet). The lake covers an area of about 8 hectares (20 acres).
Contents
Lake Ercina: A Mountain Gem
Lake Ercina is a small but important part of the natural beauty of the Picos de Europa National Park. Its features are closely linked to how it was formed and where it is located in the mountains.
How Was Lake Ercina Formed?
Lake Ercina was created by glaciers. Thousands of years ago, huge sheets of ice moved through these mountains, carving out valleys and hollows in the rock. When the ice melted, these hollows filled with water, forming lakes like Ercina and Enol. This is why they are called "glacial lakes."
What is a Eutrophic Lake?
Lake Ercina is known as a eutrophic lake. This means it has a lot of nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, dissolved in its water. These nutrients come from the surrounding land and can encourage a lot of plant growth, especially algae. While some plant growth is natural, too much can sometimes affect the balance of the lake's ecosystem.
Visiting the Lakes of Covadonga
The Lakes of Covadonga, including Lake Ercina, are a very popular destination for tourists and hikers. They offer amazing views of the mountains and are a great place to experience nature. Because they are part of a national park, there are rules in place to protect the environment and keep the lakes beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
See also
In Spanish: Lago Ercina para niños
