Red Lake (Western Australia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red Lake |
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 Red Lake
Location in Western Australia
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| Location | Goldfields-Esperance, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 30°54.27′S 121°21.17′E / 30.90450°S 121.35283°E |
| Type | Ephemeral |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Max. length | 5 km (3.1 mi) |
| Max. width | 2 km (1.2 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 338 m (1,109 ft) |
Red Lake is a special kind of lake found in the dry outback of Western Australia. It's called an ephemeral salt lake, which means it's usually dry and only fills with water after heavy rain. When it does have water, it's very salty!
This interesting lake is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) east of Coolgardie. It's also about 22 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of Kalgoorlie. Red Lake sits in a large area of Western Australia known as the Goldfields-Esperance region. Its surface is about 338 meters (1,109 feet) above sea level.
Red Lake is not alone; it's part of a group of lakes in the area. To the north, you'll find Blue Lake. To the southwest is Brown Lake, and further northeast are White Lake and Douglas Lake. These lakes are all part of the unique landscape of the Australian outback.
Contents
What is an Ephemeral Lake?
An ephemeral lake is a lake that only exists for a short time. The word "ephemeral" means lasting for a very short time. These lakes depend on rainfall to fill up.
How Ephemeral Lakes Work
When there's a lot of rain, water flows into the lake basin. The lake can then hold water for days, weeks, or even months. But because the area is very dry, the water quickly evaporates into the air. This leaves the lake bed dry again until the next big rain.
Why Are They Salty?
Red Lake is also a salt lake. This happens because when the water evaporates, it leaves behind all the salt and minerals that were dissolved in it. Over many years, a thick layer of salt can build up on the lake bed. This is why the water, when present, is very salty.
Location and Surroundings
Red Lake is located in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia. This area is famous for its history of gold mining.
The Goldfields-Esperance Region
This region is known for its dry climate and vast, open landscapes. It includes large areas of bushland and desert. Despite being dry, it has unique plants and animals that have adapted to these conditions.
Nearby Towns
- Coolgardie: This historic town was once a booming gold rush center. It's much quieter now but still has many old buildings.
- Kalgoorlie: This is a larger city and a major center for mining in Western Australia. It's known for its "Super Pit," one of the largest open-cut gold mines in the world.
Unique Features of Red Lake
Red Lake, like other salt lakes in the region, plays an important role in the local environment.
Wildlife in the Area
Even though the lake is often dry, the surrounding areas can support various types of wildlife. Animals like kangaroos, emus, and different bird species can be found here. They have learned to survive in the harsh conditions, often relying on temporary water sources.
The Lake Chain
Being part of a chain of lakes means that these lakes are connected in some way, often by underground water flows or surface channels that only carry water after heavy rains. This connection can be important for the movement of wildlife and the overall health of the ecosystem.
