Boiling Lake

 

Boiling Lake Facts

• Perhaps the most noteworthy fact about the Boiling Lake remains its quite impressive status. That’s because the wonder of Nature ranks as the second-largest hot lake in the world. In addition, it itself forms part of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which is a World Heritage Site.
• It also has an impressive recent history. This holds true due to the fact that the first ever recorded sighting of this geological marvel occurred in 1870. This was carried out by Edmund Watt and Henry Nicholls. Also, the first scientific investigation of the site took place in 1875.
• Not only does the aptly-named Boiling Lake remain extremely unique, but it holds another notable claim. That’s because its location also ranks as somewhat remote. In point of fact, the nearest road sits about 8.1 mi (13 km) from the site. Therefore, access remains quite limited.
• Interestingly, the site also stays fairly active. Due to this, it will occasionally drain, and even form geyser-like fountains of hot water and steam. Occasionally, it will even empty and refill amazingly fast. Further, this complete cycle sometimes occurs in only a single day.

Related Places

                                 

Bloody Hell Pond                     Fly Geyser                   Hot Water Beach

Boiling Lake Physical Description

Firstly, the dimensions of the Boiling Lake remain constantly variable. This occurs largely due to local conditions. Typically mild phreatic eruptions in the region occur periodically. Understandably, these dramatically affect the level of the small lake.

However, its diameter maintains a fairly regular size range. As a result, it averages between 200-250 ft (61-76 m) across. The depth of the lake naturally also varies. However, an average depth has been determined to be about 195 ft (59 m).

In addition, the color of the water of Boiling Lake also frequently varies. These stunning hues change, sometimes becoming green. But these remarkable colors usually range from grayish-blue to bright blue. In addition, the temperature of the body of water generally ranges between 180-197 F (82-92 C).

Further, this flooded fumarole sits amid jagged, rather formidable outcroppings of rock. These dangerous features themselves average approximately 100 ft (30 m) in height. In addition to the ever-present steam, the site will also occasionally spew forth various noxious gases as well.

Boiling Lake Location and Formation

The beautiful yet dangerous Boiling Lake sits about 6.5 mi (10.5 km) east of the town of Roseau. This town lies in the country of Dominica, near South America. Consequently, the site not only has the distinction of being remote, but the surrounding terrain also presents extremely rugged conditions.

Furthermore, the water of the lake itself originates from two separate sources. These consists of typically plentiful rainfall and two small streams that flow into the site. As a result of this inflow, the incoming water becomes super-heated by proximity to the underlying magma chamber.

However, the remarkable appearance of the hot water itself remains independent of the heating action. This occurs because various combinations of minerals in the water create the color. Being rather porous in nature, the surrounding rocks also allow the water to escape rapidly when the nearby volcanic activity interrupts the regular inflow.

Features Sharing Its Area

                           

 Lagoa do Fogo               Tierra del Fuego         Fernando de Noronha

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