Munz Lakes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Munz Lakes |
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 Munz Lakes
Location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Munz Lakes
Location in California
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| Location | Sierra Pelona Mountains, Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County, California |
| Coordinates | 34°40′22″N 118°25′56″W / 34.672763°N 118.432304°W |
| Type | Sag pond |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 984 m (3,228 ft) |
Munz Lakes is a small, unique lake located in Los Angeles County, California. You can find it in the northern part of the Sierra Pelona Mountains. What makes this lake special is that it sits right on top of the famous San Andreas Fault.
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How Munz Lakes Formed
Munz Lakes is a type of lake called a sag pond. Sag ponds are formed by the movement of Earth's giant plates, known as tectonic plates. The San Andreas Fault is a very active area where these plates are constantly moving.
The San Andreas Fault and Sag Ponds
When the tectonic plates slide past each other along the San Andreas Fault, they create dips or hollows in the ground. Over time, these hollows can fill with water, forming sag ponds. Munz Lakes is one of several sag ponds in this area. Other nearby sag ponds include Elizabeth Lake and Hughes Lake.
Location and Water Flow
Munz Lakes is part of the upper Santa Clara River watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a common point, like a river or a lake. The lake is located at an elevation of about 984 m (3,228 ft) (which is about 3,228 feet) above sea level. It is protected within the beautiful Angeles National Forest.
History of the Lake's Name
Munz Lakes got its name from a rancher named John Munz. He moved to this area way back in 1898.
