Europe From Above - Slovenia - unique intermittent lake Lake Cerknica

Europe From Above - Slovenia - unique intermittent lake Lake Cerknica
In these sinkholes, the water from the lake disappear into the ground.The lake’s water is primarily drained through a series of underground rivers, known as cave systems. The water flows into these underground channels during the dry season. The lake has several sinkholes, or sinks, where water from the lake can disappear into the ground. These natural openings in the karst terrain lead to underground rivers.
The lake, which under ordinary conditions has an area of about 26 km2 (10 sq mi) and a mean depth of 6.1 m (20 ft), communicates through a number of openings with a series of subterranean reservoirs or caverns, some of which are above the lake level in the surrounding hills.

In the summer, when the rainfall is slight, the lake is completely drained into the reservoirs lying below its level, and its bed is speedily covered with rich vegetation. With the returning heavy rains in autumn, the surrounding higher reservoirs are filled and discharge suddenly through the subterranean passages into the lake, so that the latter very rapidly regains its ordinary volume and may even inundate the surrounding country.

The changes in level are, however, very irregular. Sometimes the lake does not disappear for several years, and it can remain dry for over a year, as it did in 1834–35. It is rich in fish, which disappear and return with the water.

This Lake is a karst lake, which means it appears and disappears depending on the season. It's one of the largest intermittent lakes in Europe. During the rainy season, it can cover all lake area , but in the dry season, it can shrink significantly or even disappear entirely.The lake’s water level is influenced by a system of underground rivers and caves. It is connected to the larger karst system of the area, which includes the nearby Postojna Cave and the Škocjan Caves.
Lake Cerknica is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It provides a habitat for various species of birds, fish, and other wildlife, making it a valuable site for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts. The lake's wetlands are particularly important for migratory birds. The area around Lake has been inhabited for centuries. Traditional agricultural practices and local folklore are deeply connected to the lake’s cyclical changes.
Local legends and stories about the lake contribute to its cultural heritage.
The lake is a prime example of the karst landscape characteristic of Slovenia. Its formation and periodic disappearance are a result of the region’s geological processes, which include the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone.

Overall, Lake Cerknica’s combination of natural beauty, ecological diversity, and geological uniqueness makes it a special and intriguing location in Slovenia.

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