Lough Funshinagh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lough Funshinagh |
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 Lough Funshinagh
Location in Ireland
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| Location | County Roscommon, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 53°30′35″N 8°05′56″W / 53.509832°N 8.098922°W |
| Native name | Loch Fuinseann Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help) |
| Basin countries | Ireland |
| Surface area | 3.8 km2 (1.5 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 67 m (220 ft) |
| Islands | Red Island, Inchnadarra, Inchihiceley |
Lough Funshinagh (which means Loch Fuinseann or "lake of the ash tree" in Irish) is a special lake in County Roscommon, Ireland. It is located west of Lough Ree. This lake is famous for something very unusual: it can empty out its water very quickly, sometimes in just two days! This has earned it the nickname Ireland's amazing disappearing lake.
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What Makes Lough Funshinagh So Unique?
Lough Funshinagh is known as a turlough. A turlough is a type of lake that appears and disappears with the seasons. It is found mostly in limestone areas, especially in Ireland. These lakes fill up when the underground water levels rise. They drain away when the water levels drop.
Why Does the Lake Disappear?
The lake disappears because it has cracks and holes in its bottom. These holes connect to underground cave systems. When the water table (the level of water underground) is low, the lake water drains into these caves. When the water table is high, the caves fill up, and the lake fills up too.
How Does This Affect Fish and Wildlife?
When Lough Funshinagh empties quickly, it can be very dangerous for the fish living in it. Thousands of fish can die if they get trapped as the water drains away. This makes it a challenging place for many water creatures to live.
Lough Funshinagh as a Special Area of Conservation
Lough Funshinagh is not just any lake; it is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This means it is a protected area because of its unique natural features and wildlife.
What Does "Special Area of Conservation" Mean?
Being an SAC means that the lake and its surroundings are important for nature. They are protected under European laws to keep their habitats and species safe. This helps to preserve the rare plants and animals that live there.
Why is Lough Funshinagh Protected?
The lake is protected because it is one of the best examples of a turlough in Ireland. It also supports special plant life and is a home for various birds and insects. Protecting it helps scientists study this rare type of lake.
Where is Lough Funshinagh Located?
Lough Funshinagh is found in County Roscommon, which is in the middle of Ireland. It is not far from the larger Lough Ree.
Images for kids
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Lough Funshinagh, showing its unique landscape.
