Lake Turkana

Source: https://bit.ly/2KH9OiI Photo: User:Doron CCL: https://bit.ly/3qBtUws

Lake Turkana Facts

• This intriguing creation of geological processes, with its unusual characteristics, presently goes by the english language name of Lake Turkana. It previously held another name, though. Prior to 1975, the body of water bore the moniker of Lake Rudolf.
• The term it’s now known by honors the main tribe of Indigenous Peoples in the region. In their native language, however, it’s long borne their name for it. In that tongue it’s referred to as Anam Ka’alakol. This loosely translates as the sea of many fish.
• The native population knew of the site for untold centuries, of course. European explorers, however, did not see it for the first time until March 6, 1888. At that time, Count Sámuel Teleki de Szék and Lieutenant Ludwig Ritter Von Höhnel spotted  it.
• It stands out from similar features around the world for several reasons. It ranks as both the largest alkaline lake and the largest permanent desert lak on earth. The impressive natural wonder further ranks as the fourth largest salt lake known to man.
• Given its unique nature and importance in the region, Lake Turkana merits special consideration. Due to its multi-faceted role in the area, UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site in 1997. Fortunately, it sees few visitors, helping to maintain its condition.

Related Articles

                    

   Lake Kaindy               Lagoa do Fogo             Lake Titicaca

Lake Turkana Physical Description

The magnificent Lake Turkana fully earns appreciation by those experts who monitor it. Unlike many other similar features, though, it does so for a wide variety of reasons. That’s yet another way in which this body of water distinguishes itself in the annals of science.

Its sheer size certainly qualifies as one of those factors, of course. This varies slightly over time, naturally, due to different reasons. In general, though, it boasts a maximum length of about 180 mi (290 km). The lake also holds a maximum width of roughly 20 mi (32 km).

These dimensions understandably bless it with an impressive surface area. That measures approximately 2,473 sq mi (6,405 sq km). It additionally has a maximum measured depth of 358 ft (109 m). Its average depth, though, measures much less, at just 99 ft (30.2 m).

Incredibly, the center of the lake also plays host to an active volcano! Appropriately named Central Island, this site routinely emits quantities of volcanic ash. This activity accounts for and maintains the unusually high levels of alkaline in the water of the surrounding lake.

The water comprising Lake Turkana also holds yet another wonder. Nature, it seems, decided to work overtime in creating this masterpiece. Due to the extreme nature of the site, the water maintains a surprising temperature. This averages between 81F – 88F (27C- 31C). 

It also hosts a striking outer boundary. That’s partly due to the fact that the surrounding rocks are mainly volcanic in origin. Extremely rocky shores and outcroppings dominate much of the southern and eastern shores. Flats and dunes reign to the west and north.

Source: https://bit.ly/2Nvguhs
Photo: AdamPG
CCL: https://bit.ly/1p2b8Ke

Lake Turkana Location, Formation, and Ecology

The impressive Lake Turkana forms an extremely large lake located primarily in Kenya, in Africa. However, a small portion of it also crosses into Ethiopia.

Due to inaccessibility, temperature, and aridity, Lake Turkana continues to retain its wild character. Nile crocodiles inhabit the lake in abundance, and scorpions and carpet vipers live in numerous around the shores.

Even though three separate rivers flow into the lake, none of them exit. The only water loss occurs via evaporation. However, given the aridity of the surrounding climate,  this loss can be extreme at times.

Illustrating this perfectly, was the dramatic drop in water level between 1975 and 1993. During this period, the overall level dropped a dramatic 33 ft (10 m).

• The nature of the lake creates locally intense weather effects. Violent storms frequently arise in the immediate vicinity of the site.

The astonishing site was recently named a.

Geological Marvels Sharing Its Range

                                

 Cano Cristales           Fernando de Noronha             Kaieteur Falls

Check out our other articles on 5 Rare Mind-Blowing Cloud Types, Tufted coquette,  Pingualuit Crater Lake, Tree Kangaroo, Kerengga ant-like jumper, Bonnethead Shark