Lake Parinacochas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Parinacochas |
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Sara Sara volcano rises above Lake Parinacochas
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 Lake Parinacochas
Location in Peru
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| Location | Ayacucho Region |
| Coordinates | 15°18′S 73°42′W / 15.3°S 73.7°W |
| Catchment area | 606.5 km2 (234.2 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | Peru |
| Max. length | 12 km (7.5 mi) |
| Max. width | 9 km (5.6 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 3,272 m (10,735 ft) |
Lake Parinacochas is a beautiful lake located in the Ayacucho Region of Peru. Its name might come from the Aymara word parina, meaning "flamingo", and the Quechua word qucha, meaning "lake". So, its name could mean "flamingo lake"!
This lake sits high up in the mountains, about 3,272 metres (10,735 ft) above sea level. It is found west of the Sara Sara volcano. Lake Parinacochas is quite large, stretching about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) long and 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) wide. The area that drains into the lake, called its catchment area, covers about 606.5 square kilometres (234 sq mi).
Lake Parinacochas is a shallow lake. Its water is a bit salty, which is called "brackish". When the water level is low, some parts of the lakebed dry up and become salty areas, like natural salt flats.
Life Around the Lake
Plants and Vegetation
The area around Lake Parinacochas is a dry grassland region known as "puna". This type of grassland is found in high mountain areas. Even in this dry environment, the lake supports some interesting plant life.
You can find reeds called Typha species growing in the water. These are tall, grass-like plants often seen in wetlands. There are also submerged plants from the genus Potamogeton, which grow completely underwater.
See Also
- Sara Sara
- List of lakes in Peru
