Karagoli Lake

Karagoli Lake (ყარაგოლის ტბა), the “Black Lake,” is a high-altitude volcanic lake situated on the expansive Javakheti Plateau in southern Georgia. Located within the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, near the border with Kvemo Kartli (Dmanisi Municipality) and likely within the Ninotsminda Municipality, this lake is part of a unique landscape characterized by volcanic cones, vast grasslands, and numerous other lakes. Its name likely derives from the dark appearance of its water, common in some volcanic lakes or simply reflecting the often overcast skies of the high plateau.

Sitting at a significant elevation, probably well above 2000 meters, Karagoli is a relatively small lake, likely formed in a volcanic depression or crater. It is primarily fed by snowmelt and precipitation, typical for lakes on the plateau. Due to the geology, it might be endorheic (lacking a surface outlet), with water loss occurring through evaporation and seepage.

The surrounding environment consists of alpine and subalpine meadows, part of the wider Javakheti Protected Areas system known for its importance, especially for migratory birds that utilize the plateau’s network of wetlands. The lake itself, being cold and likely nutrient-poor (oligotrophic), probably supports limited aquatic life. Accessing Karagoli typically involves hiking or potentially off-road vehicle travel across the plateau’s terrain, often visited as part of tours exploring the unique volcanic geology and lake systems of Javakheti. Due to the high altitude and harsh continental climate of the Javakheti Plateau, the lake is frozen solid for many months, usually from late autumn through late spring or even early summer.

Identification and Location:

• Name: Karagoli Lake (ყარაგოლის ტბა – Black Lake). Note: This name is used for multiple lakes; this description assumes the one on the Javakheti Plateau.
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Samtskhe-Javakheti (near the border with Kvemo Kartli).
  • Municipality: Likely Ninotsminda or Dmanisi.
  • Nearest Major Landmark: Located on the Javakheti Volcanic Plateau, potentially near Mt. Samsari or other volcanic features. Part of the broader Javakheti Protected Areas landscape.
  • Coordinates: Precise coordinates require verification, but likely situated on the high plateau (e.g., vicinity of 41.3° N, 43.8° E).
• Relationship to other bodies of water: High-altitude volcanic lake. Likely endorheic or drains via seepage. Part of the dense network of lakes on the Javakheti Plateau.

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: Data unavailable; assumed to be small (likely < 0.1 km²).
• Maximum Depth: Data unavailable; likely relatively shallow to moderate.
• Average Depth: Data unavailable.
• Volume: Data unavailable; likely small.
• Elevation: High altitude, typical for Javakheti Plateau, possibly $\approx 2500-3000\text{ m}$ above sea level. Specific data needed.
• Shoreline Length: Short; likely ringed by meadow or volcanic rock.
• Water Source(s): Primarily snowmelt and precipitation; possibly groundwater springs.
• Outlet(s): Likely endorheic (no surface outlet) or drains via underground seepage.
• Water Type: Freshwater. May appear dark in colour.
• Basin Geology: Volcanic origin (likely a crater lake or depression) on the Javakheti Plateau.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): Surrounded by high-altitude alpine and subalpine grasslands/meadows characteristic of the Javakheti Plateau. Aquatic vegetation expected to be minimal due to cold temperatures and ice cover duration.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Fish presence uncertain, possibly absent or limited to hardy introduced species. The Javakheti Plateau is critically important as a breeding and stopover site for numerous bird species, especially waterfowl; Karagoli likely contributes to this habitat network. Plateau fauna includes rodents, foxes, wolves, and specific reptiles/amphibians adapted to the conditions.
• Trophic Level: Expected to be Oligotrophic or Mesotrophic (nutrient-poor to moderate).
• Water Clarity: Likely high clarity, though the water may appear dark.
• Water Temperature: Very cold year-round. Frozen solid for a long period (late autumn to late spring/early summer).
• pH Levels: Data unavailable.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Data unavailable.
• Unique Ecological Features: High-altitude volcanic lake ecosystem. Part of the internationally important Javakheti wetlands system, significant for birdlife.
• Conservation Status: May be located within or near the boundaries of the Javakheti National Park or associated Managed Reserves, affording it protection. The plateau ecosystem is considered sensitive.
• Invasive Species: Data unavailable; less likely in such remote, harsh environments unless related to fish stocking.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: The Javakheti Plateau contains numerous prehistoric archaeological sites (megaliths, kurgans), indicating ancient human presence in the broader region. The lake itself likely served as a landmark or resource for seasonal pastoralists.
• Current Uses: Primarily visited as part of hiking, birdwatching, or geological tourism exploring the Javakheti Plateau. Less frequented than larger, more accessible lakes in the region. Possibly used for local livestock grazing nearby.
• Environmental Issues: Remoteness and harsh climate provide natural protection. Potential impacts include unregulated grazing effects on surrounding meadows, disturbance to birdlife, and long-term climate change impacts on the sensitive high-altitude wetland ecosystem (water levels, freeze duration).
• Management and Conservation Efforts: If within Javakheti Protected Areas, managed by the Agency of Protected Areas. Regulations likely apply regarding land use, camping, and potentially access.
• Local Communities: Limited direct economic reliance due to remoteness. Part of the broader natural and cultural landscape valued by local Armenian and Georgian communities in Javakheti.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• The name “Karagoli” means “Black Lake” in Turkic languages, likely referring to the water’s appearance.
• Located on the high-altitude Javakheti Volcanic Plateau, one of the most unique landscapes in Georgia.
• Part of a region with a high density of lakes, crucial for migratory birds.
• Experiences a harsh continental climate with long, cold, snowy winters.
• Completely inaccessible during winter and spring months due to snow cover.