Victoria is Africa's largest lake

Many of us to the request "Call the largest lake in Africa" with confidence will say that this is Victoria. Being the source of the Nile River, it ranks second in the world in size among all freshwater lakes. According to official information, it was discovered by the Englishman D. Speak in 1858. This reservoir was called "big water" by local residents. However, the pioneer named him Victoria - the name of the Queen of England.

Between many scientists for a long time there was a debate as to which water bodies Victoria belongs to. According to some, this is the internal sea, but others claimed that this is a large lake. As a result, the fact that the pond is filled with fresh water made all of them come together on the second option.

Location

The largest lake of the continent (Africa) is in its very heart. The total area of the reservoir is more than 68 thousand square kilometers. On this indicator, it exceeds even some seas (for example, the Azov and Aral Sea). The lake is located simultaneously on the territory of three states: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. For them it is the center of trade, shipping and fishing.

The average depth of the lake is 80 meters. In connection with the location at an altitude of about 1134 m above sea level, it belongs to the category of high mountains. The average annual water temperature is about +22 degrees.

Outline

The largest lake in Africa is in the shape of an irregular oval. Its dimensions in length and width are 350x200 kilometers, respectively. Almost everywhere, except in the south-western region, the shores are marshy and low. There are a lot of different capes, bays, coves and even peninsulas.

On the territory of the lake there are also many islands of different sizes. Among the largest of them can be noted Mansome, Ukereu, Kom and Ruvondo. Researchers of the reservoir, together with the archaeologists have found evidence that several million years ago its area was much larger.

Climate

During the entire existence of the lake, a special climate has formed on its coast, in conditions of which high humidity combines with grueling heat. In addition, the terrain is characterized by tropical lingering downpours as well as long periods of drought. The largest lake in Africa is distinguished by the fact that there is no clear division into the seasons on its territory. The change of seasons is determined by such a parameter as the amount of precipitation. In particular, for the winter the minimum number of them falls, and in the summer - on the contrary.

The water months are April and May. The lake level at this time can be increased by 600 millimeters. The air temperature practically never drops below the mark at +25 degrees. Such concepts as frosts and snow are not known to local residents at all.

The largest lake in Africa is raised by tectonic and volcanic processes rather high, therefore there are all the winds that characterize the continent. They are unable to protect even the slopes of the mountains with passes. Now the reservoir is one of the most dangerous on the planet because of hurricanes, tornadoes and storms. Due to the hot climate, a large volume of water evaporates (about 93 cubic kilometers per year). Despite this, the shallow-water lake never happens. Scientists explain this by the unusual nature of the water cycle.

Flora and fauna

The plant and animal worlds around the reservoir are similar to those on the whole continent. On the banks among the plants most often occur banana palms, reeds, reeds and papyrus. Many locals grow coffee and bamboo. The largest lake in Africa is the habitat for crocodiles and hippos. In addition, more than one hundred species of fish are found in the reservoir. There are some among them who live exclusively here.

The birds inhabiting the coastal zone deserve special mention. Their flocks number millions of individuals, so the terrain here is often painted in all colors of the rainbow. The most common are the Venetian crane, flamingo and various species of herons.

The main problem of the lake

Around the middle of the twentieth century, the local ecosystem found itself on the brink of complete destruction. The number of endangered species of plants and animals began to increase. A striking example of this are the rhinoceroses, which are massively exterminated by hunters in order to obtain valuable horns used in pharmacology. In addition, over the past few decades, the number of leopards, elephants, giraffes, lions and hippopotami has decreased several times.

Large cities and ports on the coast

As already mentioned above, Africa's largest lake is located on the territory of three countries. Each of them has its own trading ports and large cities on its coast. In particular, for Tanzania, such is Mwanza. It is through this city-port that the state in significant volumes carries out trade. Nearby is one of the largest deposits of diamonds and gold in East Africa , exports of which are the lion's share of the country's budget.

On the northern coast, the largest port is Entebbe (Uganda), which serves as a transfer point. The fact is that all the products delivered here through the lake are transported to the country's capital by road. As for Kenya, its largest city on Lake Victoria is Kissima. Virtually all products from industrial regions of the country are imported into it, after which they are delivered to their destination.