Þingvallavatn facts for kids
Þingvallavatn is a really cool lake in southwestern Iceland. It's known for being the largest natural lake in Iceland! This huge lake sits in a special area called a rift valley. A rift valley is like a big crack in the Earth's surface where land is slowly pulling apart.
The lake covers a massive area of 84 square kilometers. At its deepest point, it goes down 114 metres (374 ft)! That's super deep!
Right by the northern shore of Þingvallavatn, you'll find a very important place called Alþingi. This is Iceland's national parliament, and it was first started way back in the year 930. Imagine, a parliament that's over a thousand years old!
This lake is also home to four different kinds of Arctic char, which are a type of fish.
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About Þingvallavatn Lake
Þingvallavatn is not just any lake; it's a natural wonder. It formed in a rift valley, which is a unique geological feature. This means the lake is located where two of Earth's big tectonic plates are slowly moving away from each other. This movement creates deep cracks and valleys, which then fill with water.
The lake's clear, cold waters are fed by springs. These springs bring water that has filtered through volcanic rock. This process helps keep the lake water very clean.
Size and Depth of the Lake
Þingvallavatn is the biggest natural lake in Iceland. It covers an area of 84 square kilometers. To give you an idea, that's like having 8,400 football fields covered in water!
Its deepest point is 114 meters. That's taller than a 30-story building! The lake's depth and size create different environments for the animals living there.
Alþingi: Iceland's Ancient Parliament
One of the most famous spots near Þingvallavatn is Alþingi. This is the national parliament of Iceland. A parliament is a group of people chosen to make laws for a country.
Alþingi is incredibly special because it's one of the oldest parliaments in the world. It was founded in the year 930. For centuries, leaders and people gathered at this spot by the lake to discuss laws and important issues.
Why Alþingi is Important
The founding of Alþingi in 930 shows how early Icelanders valued making decisions together. It was a place where different groups could meet peacefully. They would settle disputes and create rules for everyone to follow.
Even though the parliament now meets in the capital city of Reykjavík, the original site by Þingvallavatn is still very important. It's a symbol of Iceland's long history of democracy.
Arctic Char in Þingvallavatn
The waters of Þingvallavatn are home to a special type of fish called the Arctic char. What's really interesting is that four different types of Arctic char live in this one lake!
Different Types of Arctic Char
Usually, you might expect one type of fish in a lake. But in Þingvallavatn, the Arctic char have adapted to different parts of the lake. This means they have developed unique features and behaviors.
For example, some char might live in the deep parts of the lake. Others might prefer the shallower areas. Over a long time, these differences can lead to distinct types of the same fish species. Scientists study these char to understand how animals adapt to their environment.
