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Coordinates: 9°12′N 79°54′W / 9.2°N 79.9°W / 9.2; -79.9
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{{Short description|freshwater Panamanian artificial lake}}
{{Short description|Panamanian freshwater artificial lake}}
{{Infobox body of water
{{Infobox body of water
| name = Gatun Lake
| name = Gatun Lake
| image = Gatun Lake.jpg
| image = Gatun Lake.jpg
| caption = Ships follow marked channels among the hilltop islands
| caption = Ships follow marked channels<br>among the hilltop islands.
| image_bathymetry =
| image_bathymetry =
| caption_bathymetry =
| caption_bathymetry =
| location =
| location =
| coords = {{coord|9|11|N|79|53|W|region:PA_type:waterbody_source:dewiki|display=inline,title}}
| coords = {{Coord|9.2|N|79.9|W|region:PA_type:waterbody|display=inline,title}}
⚫
| pushpin_map = Panama
| type = [[artificial lake]]
| type = [[artificial lake]]
| inflow = [[Chagres River]]
| inflow = [[Chagres River]]
| outflow =
| outflow =
⚫
|pushpin_map=Panama
| catchment =
| catchment =
| basin_countries = Panama
| basin_countries = Panama
| length =
| length =
| width =
| width =
| area = {{convert|425|km2|abbr=on}}
| area = {{cvt|425|km2}}
| depth =
| depth =
| max-depth =
| max-depth =
| volume = {{convert|5.2|km3|acre.ft|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite journal |last=Hulman |first=Lewis G. |date=1972 |title=System Relationships a Panama Canal Water Supply Study |journal=Water Resources Research |volume=8 |issue=3 |pages=774–778 |doi=10.1029/WR008i003p00769 |hdl=2027/uc1.31210024723247 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>
| volume = {{cvt|5.2|km3|acre.ft}}<ref>{{cite journal |last=Hulman |first=Lewis G. |date=1972 |title=System Relationships a Panama Canal Water Supply Study |journal=Water Resources Research |volume=8 |issue=3 |pages=774–778 |doi=10.1029/WR008i003p00769 |hdl=2027/uc1.31210024723247 |hdl-access=free}}</ref>
| residence_time =
| residence_time =
| shore =
| shore =
| elevation = {{convert|26|m|abbr=on}}
| elevation = {{cvt|26|m}}
| islands = [[Barro Colorado|Isla Barro Colorado]], [[Isla gatun, panama|Isla Gatun]], Isla Falta Calzado, [[Isla Tres Perros]]
| islands = [[Barro Colorado|Isla Barro Colorado]], [[Isla gatun, panama|Isla Gatun]], Isla Falta Calzado, [[Isla Tres Perros]]
| cities =
| cities =
}}
}}
'''Gatun Lake''' ({{lang-es|Lago Gatún}}) is a large freshwater [[artificial lake]] to the south of [[Colón, Panama]]. It forms a major part of the [[Panama Canal]], carrying ships for {{convert|33|km|mi|abbr=on}} of their transit across the [[Isthmus of Panama]].
'''Gatun Lake''' ({{langx|es|Lago Gatún}}) is a freshwater [[artificial lake]] to the south of [[Colón, Panama]]. At approximately {{cvt|26|m}} above sea level, it forms a major part of the [[Panama Canal]], carrying ships {{cvt|33|km|mi}} of their transit across the [[Isthmus of Panama]]. It was created June 27, 1913 when the gates of the spillway at [[Gatun Dam]] were closed. The water level was about {{cvt|14.6|m}} above sea level and was expected to fill to operating levels in the next six months.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=64onAAAAIBAJ&dq=%22gatun%22&pg=PA4&article_id=6455,1970491 |title=Canal Virtually Finished- July 14,1913 |year=1913 |publisher=Boston Evening Transcript |access-date=10 December 2022 |archive-date=30 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730051855/https://books.google.com/books?id=64onAAAAIBAJ&dq=%22gatun%22&pg=PA4&article_id=6455,1970491 |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Construction==
The lake was created between 1907 and 1913 by the building of the [[Gatun Dam]] across the [[Chagres River]]. At the time it was created, Gatun Lake was the largest man-made lake in the world. Gatun Dam was also the largest of its kind.
[[File:USS_Missouri_(BB-11)_in_Gatun_Lake,_Panama_Canal,_July_16,_1915_(18474364866).jpg|alt=USS ''Missouri'' in Gatun Lake, smoke is coming out of the three smokestacks in the center of the vessel|left|thumb|USS ''Missouri'' (Battleship #11) in Gatun Lake, Panama Canal, 1915.]]
Created in 1913 by damming the [[Chagres River]], Gatun Lake is a key part of the Panama Canal, providing the millions of litres of water necessary to operate its locks each time a ship passes through.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GnxHAAAAIBAJ&dq=%22panama+canal%22+open&pg=PA4&article_id=3613,6257046 |title=Panama Canal Open- Aug 20, 1914 |year=1914 |publisher=Meriden Weekly Republican |access-date=16 December 2022 |archive-date=30 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730051855/https://books.google.com/books?id=GnxHAAAAIBAJ&dq=%22panama+canal%22+open&pg=PA4&article_id=3613,6257046 |url-status=live }}</ref> When constructed, Gatun Lake was the largest artificial lake in the world. The impassable rainforest around the lake has been the best defense of the Panama Canal. Today these areas remain practically unscathed by human interference and are one of the few accessible areas where various native Central American animal and plant species can be observed undisturbed in their natural habitat.{{fact|date=July 2023}}


== Description ==
==Geography==


⚫
Gatun Lake covers about {{cvt|180|sqmi|km2|order=flip}}. The largest island in the lake is [[Barro Colorado Island]], which was established for scientific study when the lake was formed, and is operated by the [[Smithsonian Institution]]. Many important scientific and biological discoveries of the tropical animal and plant kingdom originated here.{{fact|date=July 2023}}
The lake is situated in the valley of the [[Chagres River]]. It was formed, and the river widened and deepened, by the construction of the [[Gatun Dam]] about {{convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the river's mouth in the [[Caribbean Sea]] in 1907–1913. The geography of the area was ideal for the creation of a large lake here; the hills bordering the valley of the Chagres open up widely around the area of the lake, but come together to form a gap just over {{convert|2|km|mi|abbr=on}} wide at the location of the dam. The damming of the river flooded the originally wooded valley; almost a century later, the stumps of old mahogany trees can still be seen rising from the water, and submerged stumps form a hazard for any small vessels that wander off the marked channels.


Gatun Lake also provides drinking water for [[Panama City]] and [[Colón, Panama|Colón]].
Gatun Lake has an area of {{convert|425|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} at its normal level of 26&nbsp;m (85&nbsp;ft) above sea level; it stores 5.2 cubic kilometres (183,000,000,000&nbsp;ft³) of water, which is about as much as the Chagres River brings down in an average year.


===Fishing===
With the creation of the lake many hilltops became islands. The biggest and best known of them is [[Barro Colorado Island]], home of the [[Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute]] (STRI).


⚫
[[Angling]] is one of the primary recreational pursuits on Gatun Lake. Non-native [[peacock bass]] were accidentally introduced to Gatun Lake around 1967<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Science |title=Species Introduction in a Tropical Lake |first1=Thomas M. |last1=Zaret |first2=R.T. |last2=Paine |volume=182 |issue=4111 |pages=449–455 |date=2 November 1973 |bibcode=1973Sci...182..449Z |doi=10.1126/science.182.4111.449 |pmid=17832455 |s2cid=19268817}}</ref> by a local businessman,<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Panama Canal Review |title=Peacock Bass: Fun to Catch, Fine to Eat |pages=11 |date=February 1971 |url=https://archive.org/stream/panamacanalrevie1971pana#page/11/mode/1up |access-date=2012-04-30}}</ref> and have since flourished to become the dominant angling [[game fish]] in Gatun Lake. Locally called Sargento and believed to be the species ''Cichla pleiozona'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.panamafishingandcatching.com/gatun.htm |access-date=2012-04-30 |title=Gatun Lake Peacock Bass Fishing Charters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722081608/http://www.panamafishingandcatching.com/gatun.htm |archive-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> these peacock bass originate from the Amazon, Rio Negro, and Orinoco river basins. Although considered a premier game fish in their natural range, the introduction of the peacock bass to Gatun Lake had devastating effects on the local species. According to a report by the [[Smithsonian]], native fish populations in the lake still have not recovered.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8CkfAAAAIBAJ&dq=%22Thomas+Zaret%22&pg=PA78&article_id=6927,5259293 |title=Comentario Sobre El Pez Pavon Estrella- Commentary on the Star Pavin Fish Nov. 20m 1974 |year=1974 |publisher=La Nacion |access-date=18 December 2022 |archive-date=30 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730051855/https://books.google.com/books?id=8CkfAAAAIBAJ&dq=%22Thomas+Zaret%22&pg=PA78&article_id=6927,5259293 |url-status=live }}</ref> Only one quarter the number of native fish species were found in a sampling taken in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://insider.si.edu/2016/12/peacock-bass-invasion-devastating-long-term-effects-native-panamanian-fish/ |title=Peacock bass invasion Had devastating, long-term impact on Panama's Fish |year=2016 |publisher=Simthsonian Beth King |access-date=15 December 2022 |archive-date=20 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220010215/https://insider.si.edu/2016/12/peacock-bass-invasion-devastating-long-term-effects-native-panamanian-fish/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The lake has given its name to the [[Gatun structure]], which may be an eroded [[impact crater]].

== Role in the canal ==

[[File:Panama Canal Map EN.png|thumb|The Panama Canal and the location of Gatun Lake]]

Gatun Lake forms a major component of the [[Panama Canal]]; the lake, including the flooded arm extending up the Chagres River, makes up {{convert|32.7|km|mi|sigfig=3|abbr=on}} of the raised part of the waterway, the other part being the {{convert|12.6|km|mi|sigfig=3|abbr=on}} [[Culebra Cut]].

The canal follows a clearly marked route around the lake's islands, following the deeper water south from Gatun Locks, and then east. A small "shortcut" channel, the "Banana Cut", runs between the islands, providing a slightly shorter route through the lake; this is used by canal launches and yachts to cut a little time off the crossing and to avoid the heavy ship traffic.

The lake is also important as a [[reservoir (water)|reservoir]] of water for the operation of the [[Panama Canal Locks|canal locks]]. Each time a ship transits the canal, {{convert|202000|m3|usgal|sigfig=3|abbr=on}} of water is passed from the lake into the sea; with over 14,000 vessel transits per year, this represents a very large demand for water. Since rainfall is seasonal in [[Panama]], the lake acts as a water store, allowing the canal to continue operation through the dry season.

A major factor in water regulation is the ability of the rainforest in the lake's [[Drainage basin|watershed]] to absorb rainfall, releasing it gradually into the lake. However, significant [[deforestation]] of the watershed has cleared away much of the vegetation and reduced the area's water capacity. This has resulted in falling water levels in the lake during the dry season. Coupled with the massive increase in canal traffic since its opening, and the resultant increase in water usage, this is an ongoing problem for the canal (see {{Section link|Panama Canal|Water issues}}).

==Gatun Lake supplementary benefits==
Created in 1913 by the damming of the Chagres River, Gatun Lake is an essential part of the Panama Canal which forms a water passage between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, permitting ship transit in both directions. At the time it was formed, Gatun Lake was the largest man-made lake in the world. The impassable rain-forest around Gatun Lake has endured practically unscathed by human interference and is one of the few accessible areas on Earth where various native Central American animal and plant species can be observed undisturbed in their natural habitat.

⚫
Barro Colorado Island, which was established for scientific study when the lake was formed and is today operated by the [[Smithsonian Institution]], is the largest island on Gatun Lake. Many important scientific and biological discoveries of the tropical animal and plant kingdom originated here. Lake Gatun encompasses a tropical ecological zone (part of the Atlantic Forest Corridor) and [[ecotourism]] on Gatun Lake has become an industry for Panamanians.

⚫
Angling is one of the primary recreational pursuits on Gatun Lake. Non-native [[peacock bass]] were introduced deliberately to Gatun Lake around 1967<ref>{{cite journal| journal=Science |title=Species Introduction in a Tropical Lake |first1=Thomas M. |last1=Zaret |first2=R.T. |last2=Paine |volume=182|issue=4111 |pages=449–455 |date = 2 November 1973 |doi=10.1126/science.182.4111.449 |pmid=17832455}}</ref> by a local businessman,<ref>{{cite journal| journal=Panama Canal Review |title=Peacock Bass: Fun to Catch, Fine to Eat |pages=11 |volume = February 1971 |url=https://archive.org/stream/panamacanalrevie1971pana#page/11/mode/1up |access-date=2012-04-30}}</ref> and have since flourished to become the dominant angling game fish in Gatun Lake. Locally called Sargento, and believed to be the species ''[[Cichla pleiozona]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.panamafishingandcatching.com/gatun.htm |access-date=2012-04-30 |title=Gatun Lake Peacock Bass Fishing Charters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722081608/http://www.panamafishingandcatching.com/gatun.htm |archive-date=2010-07-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref> these peacock bass are not a native game fish of Panama but originate from the [[Amazon River|Amazon]], [[Rio Negro (Amazon)|Rio Negro]], and [[Orinoco River|Orinoco river]] basins of South America where they are called Tucanare or Pavon and are considered{{By whom|date=July 2020}} a premier game fish.


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
{{Reflist|1}}
{{Reflist}}


== References ==
== References ==
* [http://www.czbrats.com/Menus/bennett.htm ''History Of The Panama Canal''], by Ira E. Bennett
*[http://www.czbrats.com/Menus/bennett.htm ''History Of The Panama Canal''], by Ira E. Bennett
* [http://www.czbrats.com/Builders/Goethals/contents.htm ''The Panama Canal''], by Colonel George W. Goethals
*[http://www.czbrats.com/Builders/Goethals/contents.htm ''The Panama Canal''], by Colonel George W. Goethals


{{Panama Canal}}
{{Panama Canal}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Artificial lakes]]
[[Category:Panama Canal]]
[[Category:Panama Canal]]
[[Category:Lakes of Panama]]
[[Category:Lakes of Panama]]
Line 74: Line 58:
[[Category:Colón Province]]
[[Category:Colón Province]]
[[Category:Bifurcation lakes]]
[[Category:Bifurcation lakes]]
[[Category:1913 establishments in Panama]]

Latest revision as of 14:01, 22 December 2024

Gatun Lake
Ships follow marked channels
among the hilltop islands.
Gatun Lake is located in Panama
Gatun Lake
Gatun Lake
Coordinates9°12′N 79°54′W / 9.2°N 79.9°W / 9.2; -79.9
Typeartificial lake
Primary inflowsChagres River
Basin countriesPanama
Surface area425 km2 (164 sq mi)
Water volume5.2 km3 (4,200,000 acre⋅ft)[1]
Surface elevation26 m (85 ft)
IslandsIsla Barro Colorado, Isla Gatun, Isla Falta Calzado, Isla Tres Perros

Gatun Lake (Spanish: Lago Gatún) is a freshwater artificial lake to the south of Colón, Panama. At approximately 26 m (85 ft) above sea level, it forms a major part of the Panama Canal, carrying ships 33 km (21 mi) of their transit across the Isthmus of Panama. It was created June 27, 1913 when the gates of the spillway at Gatun Dam were closed. The water level was about 14.6 m (48 ft) above sea level and was expected to fill to operating levels in the next six months.[2]

Construction

[edit]
USS Missouri in Gatun Lake, smoke is coming out of the three smokestacks in the center of the vessel
USS Missouri (Battleship #11) in Gatun Lake, Panama Canal, 1915.

Created in 1913 by damming the Chagres River, Gatun Lake is a key part of the Panama Canal, providing the millions of litres of water necessary to operate its locks each time a ship passes through.[3] When constructed, Gatun Lake was the largest artificial lake in the world. The impassable rainforest around the lake has been the best defense of the Panama Canal. Today these areas remain practically unscathed by human interference and are one of the few accessible areas where various native Central American animal and plant species can be observed undisturbed in their natural habitat.[citation needed]

Geography

[edit]

Gatun Lake covers about 470 km2 (180 sq mi). The largest island in the lake is Barro Colorado Island, which was established for scientific study when the lake was formed, and is operated by the Smithsonian Institution. Many important scientific and biological discoveries of the tropical animal and plant kingdom originated here.[citation needed]

Gatun Lake also provides drinking water for Panama City and Colón.

Fishing

[edit]

Angling is one of the primary recreational pursuits on Gatun Lake. Non-native peacock bass were accidentally introduced to Gatun Lake around 1967[4] by a local businessman,[5] and have since flourished to become the dominant angling game fish in Gatun Lake. Locally called Sargento and believed to be the species Cichla pleiozona,[6] these peacock bass originate from the Amazon, Rio Negro, and Orinoco river basins. Although considered a premier game fish in their natural range, the introduction of the peacock bass to Gatun Lake had devastating effects on the local species. According to a report by the Smithsonian, native fish populations in the lake still have not recovered.[7] Only one quarter the number of native fish species were found in a sampling taken in 2016.[8]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Hulman, Lewis G. (1972). "System Relationships a Panama Canal Water Supply Study". Water Resources Research. 8 (3): 774–778. doi:10.1029/WR008i003p00769. hdl:2027/uc1.31210024723247.
  2. ^ "Canal Virtually Finished- July 14,1913". Boston Evening Transcript. 1913. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  3. ^ "Panama Canal Open- Aug 20, 1914". Meriden Weekly Republican. 1914. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2022.
  4. ^ Zaret, Thomas M.; Paine, R.T. (2 November 1973). "Species Introduction in a Tropical Lake". Science. 182 (4111): 449–455. Bibcode:1973Sci...182..449Z. doi:10.1126/science.182.4111.449. PMID 17832455. S2CID 19268817.
  5. ^ "Peacock Bass: Fun to Catch, Fine to Eat". Panama Canal Review: 11. February 1971. Retrieved 2012-04-30.
  6. ^ "Gatun Lake Peacock Bass Fishing Charters". Archived from the original on July 22, 2010. Retrieved 2012-04-30.
  7. ^ "Comentario Sobre El Pez Pavon Estrella- Commentary on the Star Pavin Fish Nov. 20m 1974". La Nacion. 1974. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2022.
  8. ^ "Peacock bass invasion Had devastating, long-term impact on Panama's Fish". Simthsonian Beth King. 2016. Archived from the original on 20 December 2022. Retrieved 15 December 2022.

References

[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Gatun_Lake&oldid=1264581906"