Lake Menéndez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Menéndez |
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Torrecillas Glacier and Menéndez Lake
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 Lake Menéndez
Location in Argentina
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| Location | Chubut Province, Argentina, |
| Coordinates | 42°41′S 71°50′W / 42.683°S 71.833°W |
| Lake type | glacial lake |
| Primary inflows | Rio Los Alerces, Lake Cisne |
| Primary outflows | Menéndez River |
| Catchment area | 715 square kilometres (276 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | Argentina |
| Max. length | 26 kilometres (16 mi) |
| Max. width | 2.8 kilometres (1.7 mi) |
| Surface area | 55.7 km2 (13,800 acres) |
| Average depth | 149.9 metres (492 ft) |
| Max. depth | 287 metres (942 ft) |
| Water volume | 8.31 cubic kilometres (6,740,000 acre⋅ft) |
| Residence time | 2.8 years |
| Surface elevation | 570 metres (1,870 ft) |
Lake Menéndez (also called Lago Menéndez) is a big lake in Chubut Province, Argentina. This lake is part of a group of lakes in the Futaleufú River system. Its waters eventually flow into the Pacific Ocean in Chile through Yelcho Lake and the Yelcho River.
Lake Menéndez is found in the Andes mountains. It has a unique Y-shape because it fills two narrow valleys between tall, icy peaks. The lake was formed by glaciers long ago. It is located inside the beautiful Los Alerces National Park. There are no roads or buildings right next to the lake, so you can only reach it by boat or by walking. Lake Menéndez is famous for its huge forests of special Alerce trees, which grow near the ends of its two arms.
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About Lake Menéndez
Lake Menéndez is in a very deep, narrow valley in Chubut Province. This valley looks a bit like a fjord, which is a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs. The lake was created when two large glaciers met and carved out the land.
The lake is about 26 kilometres (16 mi) long. In the middle, it splits into two "arms" that go in different directions. One arm goes northwest, and the other turns southwest. These two arms are separated by Mount Torrecillas, which is a tall mountain reaching 2,213 metres (7,260 ft) high. The Torrecillas glacier flows down the mountain and gets very close to the lake's edge.
Several small streams flow into Lake Menéndez. These streams start from the snowfields and glaciers along the border with Chile, which is about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) away.
Amazing Alerce Trees
The biggest forests of rare Alerce trees in Argentina are found at the ends of the two arms of Lake Menéndez. The Alerce tree is also known as Fitzroya.
The largest known Alerce tree in Argentina grows on the northwest arm of the lake, near a boat dock called Puerto Sagrario. This giant tree is 57 metres (187 ft) tall and 2.2 metres (7.2 ft) wide. It is an incredible 2,600 years old! There are regular boat tours that take visitors to see this amazing Alerce forest.
People believe that even taller and wider Alerce trees might exist on the southwestern arm of the lake. However, access to that area is limited to protect these ancient trees.
Other Plants and Animals
The shores of Lake Menéndez are also covered with other types of trees. These include "cipres" (Austrocedrus chilensis) and "coihué" (Nothofagus dombeyi). The forest around the lake is a great example of the Valdivian temperate rain forest ecosystem, which is known for its lush, green environment.
A special type of frog called Batrachyla fitzroya lives only on Isla Grande, an island in Lake Menéndez. This frog is named after the Fitzroya (Alerce) trees that are very common in its home.
The water from Lake Menéndez flows out through a short river called the Menéndez River. This river is only about 900 metres (3,000 ft) long before it joins the Arrayanes River, which then flows into Futalaufquen Lake.
Fun Activities at the Lake
Lake Menéndez is a great place for outdoor activities, but there are rules to protect the natural environment. You are not allowed to camp overnight or have campfires near the lake. Access to some parts of the shoreline and small streams is also restricted.
Fishing is a popular activity at Lake Menéndez. You can often catch brown and rainbow trout here. These types of fish were brought to the lake from other places.
See also
In Spanish: Lago Menéndez para niños
