Jump to content

Draft:Loughareema

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  • Comment: Best WP:THREE sources are needed to establish the minimum notability. Charismaticplanet is unreliable. Safari ScribeEdits! Talk! 10:39, 21 August 2024 (UTC)

Loughareema, often referred to as the vanishing lake, is a unique natural phenomenon located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It gets its name for its mysterious behavior of periodically disappearing and reappearing. This occurs due to the geological structure of the area: the lake sits on a bed of chalk rock, which has numerous underground fissures and tunnels.[1]

When the drainage holes (swallow holes) become blocked with debris, the lake fills up, sometimes quite rapidly, after heavy rainfall. However, when these holes clear, the water drains away, leaving behind a dry lake bed that can make it seem as if the lake never existed.

Loughareema is situated near the coastal town of Ballycastle, and the road that passes by it can become submerged when the lake is full, adding to the eerie and unpredictable nature of the site. Despite its fascinating characteristics, it remains relatively unknown to many tourists, making it a hidden gem for those exploring Northern Ireland's scenic landscapes.[2]

History

[edit]

Historically, this disappearing act even confused engineers, leading them to construct a road right through the lake's location. This road was often submerged during the lake's fullest states, creating hazardous conditions until it was eventually raised to avoid flooding.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Loughareema - The Vanishing Lake of Northern Ireland". 2016-01-21. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
  2. ^ "The Geological Society of London - Loughareema". www.geolsoc.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-08-21.