Tyrrell Lake (Alberta) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tyrrell Lake |
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 Tyrrell Lake
Location in Alberta
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| Location | County of Warner No. 5, Alberta |
| Coordinates | 49°23′24″N 112°16′13″W / 49.39000°N 112.27028°W |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 3.3 km (2.1 mi) |
| Max. width | 5 km (3.1 mi) |
| Surface area | 3.99 km2 (1.54 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 3.8 m (12 ft) |
| Max. depth | 6.1 m (20 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 961 m (3,153 ft) |
Tyrrell Lake is a special kind of lake found in Alberta, Canada. It's known as a saline lake, which means its water is salty, much like the ocean, but usually even saltier!
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Discovering Tyrrell Lake in Alberta
Tyrrell Lake is located in the County of Warner No. 5 in Alberta. This area is in the southern part of the province. It's a unique natural feature in the Canadian landscape.
What Makes Tyrrell Lake Salty?
Most lakes have fresh water, but Tyrrell Lake is different. Saline lakes form when water flows into them but has no way to flow out. When the water evaporates, the salt and other minerals are left behind. Over a long time, this process makes the lake very salty.
Size and Depth of Tyrrell Lake
Tyrrell Lake is not a huge lake, but it's quite interesting. It stretches about 3.3 kilometers (about 2 miles) long. Its width is around 5 kilometers (about 3 miles). The total area of the lake is about 3.99 square kilometers.
The lake is also quite shallow in most places. Its average depth is about 3.8 meters (around 12.5 feet). The deepest part of the lake reaches about 6.1 meters (around 20 feet). This makes it a relatively shallow body of water.
Why Are Saline Lakes Important?
Saline lakes like Tyrrell Lake are important for many reasons. They can be home to special types of plants and animals that can live in salty conditions. These lakes also play a role in the local environment and water cycle.
Wildlife in Salty Waters
Even though the water is salty, some creatures thrive here. Tiny organisms, insects, and certain types of birds can adapt to these unique conditions. They form a special ecosystem that depends on the lake's salinity.
How Does Elevation Affect the Lake?
Tyrrell Lake sits at an elevation of about 961 meters (3,153 feet) above sea level. Its high elevation means it's located in a higher part of the land. This can influence the local climate and how much water flows into the lake.
Exploring Alberta's Lakes and Rivers
Tyrrell Lake is just one of many interesting lakes in Alberta. The province has a wide variety of water bodies, from large freshwater lakes to smaller, unique saline lakes. Each one adds to the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.
