Lake Yojoa

Lake Yojoa
Lago de Yojoa
Coordinates 14°52′01″N 87°58′59″W / 14.867°N 87.983°W / 14.867; -87.983Coordinates: 14°52′01″N 87°58′59″W / 14.867°N 87.983°W / 14.867; -87.983
Basin countries Honduras
Surface area 79 km² (30.50 mi²)
Average depth 15 m (50 ft)
Surface elevation c. 700 m (2,300 ft)
Official name Subcuenca del Lago de Yojoa
Designated 5 June 2005
Lake Yojoa

Satellite photo of Lake Yojoa
Highest point
Elevation 700 m (2,300 ft)
Coordinates 14°52′01″N 87°58′59″W / 14.867°N 87.983°W / 14.867; -87.983
Geography
Location Honduras
Geology
Mountain type Volcanic field with lava-dammed lake
Last eruption Unknown

Lake Yojoa is the largest lake in Honduras with a surface area of 79 square kilometers (30.50 mi²) and an average depth of 15 meters (50 ft). At an altitude of 700 meters (2,300 ft), it lies in a depression formed by volcanoes. The Lake Yojoa volcanic field consists of Pleistocene to Holocene scoria cones, craters, and lava flows.

The west side of the lake is bordered by steep mountains and Santa Bárbara National Park while the east side is adjacent to Cerro Azul Meambar National Park. The lake is situated on the highway that connects the two largest Honduran cities, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. For many people traveling between the cities, the lake serves as a rest area where they can appreciate the view and enjoy the fresh fried fish and other foods that are offered by the restaurants located on its banks.

Lake Yojoa is a popular fishing destination and the surrounding area has a rich biodiversity—almost 400 species of birds and 800 plant species have been identified in the region. However, it also is threatened by deforestation, cattle ranching, and development. The settlers of the communities around the lake are dedicated to the cultivation of fruits, vegetables and basic grains. Nevertheless many of these inhabitants earn their living from the sale of fish originating from the lake.

People dedicate surrounding areas to the growing of coffee plants. Some of the best coffee in the World is grown near Lake Yojoa, in Santa Barbara.

See also

References

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 9/4/2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.