Grüner See (Styria)

Grüner See

Grüner See (Green Lake) against Meßnerin in May 2007
Location Tragöß, Styria, Austria
Coordinates 47°32′30″N 15°3′21″E / 47.54167°N 15.05583°E / 47.54167; 15.05583
Basin countries Austria
Max. depth up to 12 m (39 ft)

Grüner See (Green Lake) is a lake in Styria, Austria in a village named Tragöß. The lake is surrounded by the Hochschwab Mountains and forests.[1] The name "Green Lake" originated because of its emerald-green water.[1] The clean and clear water comes from the snowmelt from the karst mountains and has a temperature of 6–7 °C (43–45 °F).[1] During winter, the lake is only 1–2 m (3–7 ft) deep and the surrounding area is used as a county park.[2][3]

However, in spring, when the temperature rises and snow melts, the basin of land below the mountains fills with water.[3] The lake reaches its maximum depth of around 12 m (39 ft) from mid-May to June and is claimed to look the most beautiful at this time.[1] In July, the water begins to recede.[3]

The lake supports a variety of fauna such as snails, water fleas (Daphnia pulex), small crabs, fly larvae, and different species of trout (Salmo).[1] The flora is not abundant because of the rocky bottom of the lake.[1] Furthermore, the lake’s depth is variable since its inflow comes from snowmelt.[1]

The lake was popular among divers who could observe the green meadows in the edge zone of the lake particularly in June when the water is at its highest.[1][3] A bridge and a bench could also be found underwater.[1] Furthermore, trails and trees could also be seen underwater.[4]

Because of the spike in tourist visits that has occurred and expected damage of this sensitive environment, the use of this lake for all watersports activities has been prohibited since 1 January 2016.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Nicola Rampazzo; Franz Ottner; Franz Zehetner; Axel Mentler; Winfried E. H. Blum (2008). "Altitudinal Soil Sequence In The Austrian Northern Calcareous Alps" (PDF). Eurosoil. Retrieved 2011-05-10.
  2. ↑ "The park that disappears under water every year when snow melts from surrounding mountains". Daily Mail Online. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Rest your weary sea legs: Divers explore pristine alpine park that turns into a lake for half the year". Daily Mail. UK. 5 October 2010. Retrieved 10 May 2011.
  4. ↑ "This Was Just An Ordinary Park Last Week. Now, It’s The Most Beautiful Lake Ever.". The San Diego Herald. 2014. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
  5. ↑ "Austria's Green Lake Closes for Divers". Dive Magazine.

Further reading

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