Lake Thetis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Thetis |
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View on Lake Thetis and stromatolites
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 Lake Thetis
Location in Western Australia
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| Location | Mid West, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 30°30′26″S 115°04′50″E / 30.50722°S 115.08056°E |
| Type | Saline |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Max. length | 0.42 km (0.26 mi) |
| Max. width | 0.29 km (0.18 mi) |
| Average depth | 2 m (6 ft 7 in) |
Lake Thetis is a unique salt lake located in the mid-western part of Western Australia. It's just 2 kilometers inland from the Indian Ocean, near the small town of Cervantes. This lake is incredibly special because it's one of the few places on Earth where you can find living marine stromatolites.
Contents
Discover Lake Thetis
Lake Thetis is a saline lake, which means its water is very salty. It sits on a type of rock called limestone. The lake is quite small, about 420 meters long and 290 meters wide. It's also fairly shallow, with a depth of about 2 meters.
What Are Stromatolites?
Stromatolites are like living rocks! They are built by tiny living things called microbes, mostly cyanobacteria. These microbes grow in layers, trapping sand and other bits of sediment. Over thousands of years, these layers build up to form dome-shaped or column-shaped structures.
The stromatolites at Lake Thetis are very special. They grow in unusual columns that are narrow, close together, and almost parallel. This type of growth is extremely rare in modern stromatolites found around the world.
Life in Lake Thetis
Besides the amazing stromatolites, Lake Thetis is home to many other tiny living things. These include different types of algae that form "algal mats." Some of these mats grow right next to the stromatolites. Others prefer specific areas, like the shallow edges or the deeper parts of the lake.
The lake water is alkaline, meaning it's the opposite of acidic. It also doesn't have many nutrients. However, these conditions are perfect for the microbial communities that live at the bottom of the lake. You can also find some small fish, tiny shrimp-like creatures called amphipods, and a few other crustaceans in the lake. These animals are specially adapted to live in very salty water.
Protecting This Special Place
The unique stromatolites and other life in Lake Thetis need protection. They can be harmed by too many nutrients entering the lake, which can happen from pollution. They can also be damaged if people accidentally step on them.
To keep this valuable community safe for future generations, plans are being made to protect the lake. These plans will help guide efforts to look after this important natural wonder.
Visiting Lake Thetis
In 2008, new facilities were built to make it easier and safer for visitors to see Lake Thetis. These include a new entry road and a car park. There are also walkways along the shore, so you can get a good view without disturbing the delicate environment.
You can also enjoy a 1.5-kilometer walking trail that goes all the way around the lake. This lets you explore the area and appreciate its natural beauty. Efforts have also been made to clean up an old rubbish area nearby, which helps protect the lake from pollution.
