Madatapa Lake (Georgian: მადათაფა) is a lake in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of southeastern Georgia, near the border with Armenia, north of Bavra. Covering an area of 885 hectares (2,190 acres) at an elevation of 2,108 m (6,916 ft), the lake is noted for its Paravan race of common carp and has been considered as a commercial fishing production site.[2] It is found in one of the most earthquake-prone areas of the Caucasus.[3] A shallow lake, it, along with Khanchali Lake, is one of the most important in the country for breeding and staging waterbirds, including the endangered Dalmatian pelican.[4] Since 2020 it has been designated as a protected Ramsar site.[1]

Madatapa Lake
მადათაფა (Georgian)
Madatapa lake seen from shoreline
A map of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia, with a mark indicating the location of Madatapa Lake
A map of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia, with a mark indicating the location of Madatapa Lake
Madatapa Lake
A map of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia, with a mark indicating the location of Madatapa Lake
A map of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia, with a mark indicating the location of Madatapa Lake
Madatapa Lake
Coordinates41°10′46″N 43°46′59″E / 41.17944°N 43.78306°E / 41.17944; 43.78306
Primary outflowsMadatapa river
Catchment area136 km2 (53 sq mi)
Basin countriesGeorgia
Surface area8.78 km2 (3.39 sq mi)
Average depth1.5 m (4 ft 11 in)
Max. depth1.7 m (5 ft 7 in)
Water volume97 km3 (23 cu mi)
Surface elevation2,108 m (6,916 ft)
Designated8 July 2020
Reference no.2435[1]
Map

The villages of Zhdanovakani, Epremovka, Troitskoye and Sameba lie around the lake. Biketi Lake lies to the north.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Madatapa Lake". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  2. ^ Petr, T. (1999). Fish and fisheries at higher altitudes: Asia. Food & Agriculture Org. p. 298. ISBN 978-92-5-104309-7. Retrieved 6 October 2011.
  3. ^ Savarenskiĭ, E. F; Kharin, D. A; Gubin, Igor'Evgenèvic (1 January 1962). Earthquakes in the U.S.S.R. U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Division of Technical Information, available from the Office of Technical Services, Dept. of Commerce, Washington. p. 282. Retrieved 6 October 2011.
  4. ^ Evans, M. I.; Heath, Melanie F. (2000). Important bird areas in Europe: priority sites for conservation. BirdLife International. p. 255. ISBN 978-0-946888-35-1. Retrieved 6 October 2011.