Laq'a Jawira facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Laq'a Jawira |
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| Country | Bolivia |
| Region | Oruro Department |
Laq'a Jawira is a river found in Bolivia. Its name comes from the Aymara language. In Aymara, laq'a means "earth" or "soil," and jawira means "river." So, its name means "earth river." Sometimes, you might see its name spelled as Laca Jahuira or Lacajahuira.
This river is entirely located within the Oruro Department in Bolivia. It begins at the very south-west part of Lake Poopó. From there, it flows towards the west-south-west. The Laq'a Jawira river is about 135 kilometers long. After this journey, its waters disappear into the Salar de Coipasa, which is a large salt flat. The water in the river is salty, especially where it leaves Lake Poopó.
Where is the Laq'a Jawira River?
The Laq'a Jawira river is located in the country of Bolivia, in South America. It is specifically found in the Oruro Department, which is a region in the western part of Bolivia. This area is known for its high plains and salt flats.
The river is part of a larger water system in the region. This system includes Lake Titicaca, the Desaguadero River, Lake Poopó, and the Salar de Coipasa. These bodies of water are all connected in some way.
The River's Journey
The journey of the Laq'a Jawira river starts from Lake Poopó. Lake Poopó is a large, shallow lake in Bolivia. The river flows out from the very end of this lake.
As it travels, the river moves in a generally westward direction. It flows for about 135 kilometers, which is roughly 84 miles. This makes it a moderately long river for the region.
The river does not flow into another lake or ocean. Instead, its journey ends when its waters spread out and evaporate in the Salar de Coipasa. This is a huge, flat area covered in salt.
Why are the Waters Salty?
The waters of the Laq'a Jawira river are salty. This is because it flows from Lake Poopó, which is also a salty lake. Lakes in dry regions often become salty over time.
Water flows into Lake Poopó from other rivers, but water mostly leaves the lake through evaporation. When water evaporates, the salt is left behind. This makes the remaining water saltier and saltier.
So, when the Laq'a Jawira river flows out of Lake Poopó, it carries this salty water with it. As the river continues its journey and eventually disappears into the salt flat, the saltiness is a key feature of its waters.
See also
- In Spanish: Río Laca Jahuira para niños
