Tahiryuaq (Northwest Territories) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tahiryuaq |
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 Tahiryuaq
Location in Northwest Territories
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| Location | Victoria Island Northwest Territories |
| Coordinates | 70°56′02″N 112°15′07″W / 70.93389°N 112.25194°W |
| Primary outflows | Kuuk River |
| Catchment area | Prince Albert Sound |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Surface elevation | 221 metres (725 ft) |
| Settlements | Nearest is Ulukhaktok |
Tahiryuaq is a special lake found in the Canadian Arctic. It is located in the Northwest Territories, a large area in northern Canada. This lake sits on the northern part of Victoria Island. You can find it north of Prince Albert Sound and southeast of Minto Inlet.
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Discovering Tahiryuaq Lake
Tahiryuaq Lake is a beautiful and important part of the Canadian Arctic. It was once known as Tahiryuak Lake. The lake is quite high up, about 221 meters (725 feet) above sea level. It is a freshwater lake, meaning its water is not salty like the ocean. The Kuuk River flows out of Tahiryuaq Lake.
Home to Amazing Animals
Tahiryuaq Lake is a very important place for many animals. It is known as a Key Habitat Site. This means it is a crucial area where animals can find food, shelter, and raise their young.
Fish in the Lake
The lake is home to many Arctic char. These fish are related to salmon and trout. They are an important food source for other animals and for people living in the area.
Birds of Tahiryuaq
Many different kinds of birds visit or live near Tahiryuaq Lake. It is especially famous for its large number of nesting king eiders. These are large sea ducks.
Other birds you might see here include:
- Arctic terns: These birds are known for their incredibly long migrations.
- Cackling gooses: A smaller type of goose that nests in the Arctic.
- Long-tailed ducks: Diving ducks with long tail feathers.
- Pacific loons: Water birds known for their unique calls.
- Pomarine jaegers: Birds that often steal food from other birds.
- Sabine's gulls: Small gulls that breed in the Arctic.
A Place of History
Tahiryuaq Lake has been important to people for a very long time. It was a traditional hunting ground for the Copper Inuit. Two groups of Copper Inuit, the Haneragmiut and the Kanianermiut, used this area. They hunted caribou here. Caribou were a vital source of food, clothing, and tools for these communities.
