Saghamo Lake

Located on the high-altitude Javakheti volcanic plateau in the Ninotsminda Municipality of Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti region, Saghamo Lake (საღამოს ტბა), meaning “Evening Lake,” is a remarkable natural lake. Saghamo, lying at about 2000 meters above sea level southeast of the larger Paravani Lake, is noted for its fairly shallow depth despite its considerable surface size. One important aspect is the straight passage of the Paravani River through it, entering from the north and leaving to the south. Typical of the Javakheti area, the lake basin most likely had a tectonic or volcano-tectonic beginning. Its shallow nature and nutrient inputs help it host notable aquatic plants and probably mesotrophic or eutrophic. Included in the Javakheti Protected Areas’ network, Saghamo Lake is extremely important as a habitat for several species of water birds during migration. During the severe plateau winters, the lake freezes totally. Directly on its shores lies the town of Saghamo; local fishing uses the lake.

Identification and Location

• Name of the Lake: Saghamo Lake (საღამოს ტბა).
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Samtskhe-Javakheti
  • Municipality: Ninotsminda
  • Specific Location: Located on the Javakheti Plateau, southeast of Paravani Lake. The village of Saghamo is situated on its shores.
  • Coordinates (latitude and longitude): Approximately $41°18\prime$ N latitude, $43°46\prime$ E longitude.
  • Relationship to other bodies of water: A key feature is that the Paravani River flows through the lake. It is part of the interconnected system of lakes on the Javakheti Plateau. Fed also by groundwater and atmospheric precipitation.

Physical Characteristics

• Surface Area: Approximately 4.8 square kilometers (about 1.85 square miles).
• Maximum Depth: Shallow, approximately 2.3 meters (about 7.5 feet).
• Average Depth: Very shallow, around 1.6 meters (about 5.2 feet).
• Volume: Relatively small due to its shallowness; specific volume data is not commonly cited.
• Elevation: High altitude, approximately 1996 meters ($6549$ feet) above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Moderate length, exact figure not commonly cited. The shoreline is relatively unindented.
• Water Source(s): Inflow from the Paravani River, groundwater, snowmelt, and rainfall.
• Outlet(s) (if any): Outflow via the Paravani River.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Situated on a volcanic plateau, the basin origin is likely tectonic or volcano-tectonic.

Ecological Information

• Flora (Plant Life): Due to its shallowness, aquatic vegetation (reeds, rushes, submerged macrophytes) is likely abundant, particularly around the margins. The surrounding landscape is high-altitude steppe grassland.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Supports fish populations utilized by locals (species may include carp, crucian carp, etc.). It is a highly important area for birds (Important Bird Area – IBA), particularly waterfowl and migratory species, forming part of the internationally significant Javakheti wetlands ecosystem. Amphibians are likely present.
• Trophic Level: Likely Mesotrophic to Eutrophic, influenced by its shallow depth, nutrient input from the Paravani River, and surrounding agricultural/pastoral land use.
• Water Clarity: Likely moderate to low clarity due to shallowness, vegetation, and potential sediment/nutrient load.
• Water Temperature (seasonal variations if applicable): Subject to significant seasonal temperature changes typical of high-altitude continental climates. Freezes completely for approximately 4-5 months in winter. Warms considerably in summer.
• pH Levels: Specific data not readily available.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Specific data not readily available; likely fluctuates seasonally, potentially decreasing under ice cover and during high summer decomposition.
• Unique Ecological Features: Crucial habitat for breeding and migratory water birds within the Javakheti Protected Areas. The characteristic of having the Paravani River flow through it. High-altitude wetland ecosystem.
• Conservation Status: Located within the Javakheti Protected Areas (likely Javakheti National Park or an associated Managed Reserve). Conservation efforts focus on preserving the wetland habitats and bird populations. It may fall under Ramsar Convention criteria due to its importance for waterfowl.
• Invasive Species: Specific information on invasive species impacts is not readily available, though potential introduction of non-native fish cannot be ruled out.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: Located in the historically significant Javakheti region, inhabited for centuries. The adjacent village of Saghamo has its own local history.
• Current Uses: Local fishing (both subsistence and potentially recreational), birdwatching (important for tourism), livestock grazing in surrounding areas, potential minor use for irrigation or local water needs.
• Environmental Issues: Vulnerable to eutrophication from nutrient runoff (agriculture, settlement). Potential impacts from overgrazing or unmanaged fishing. Water level fluctuations influenced by climate and upstream/downstream river management. Climate change impacts on the fragile high-altitude wetland ecosystem and bird habitats.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Included within the management plan of the Javakheti Protected Areas, administered by Georgia’s Agency of Protected Areas. Regulations likely exist concerning resource use (fishing, grazing) and habitat protection, especially for birds.
• Local Communities: The village of Saghamo is situated directly on the lake’s shore. The lake is a direct natural resource for the community (fishing, water) and offers potential for tourism-related income (especially birdwatching tours, local guesthouses).

Interesting or Unique Facts

• The Paravani River, originating near Georgia’s largest lake (Paravani Lake), flows directly through Saghamo Lake.
• Despite its name “Evening Lake,” the specific reason for this name is not commonly documented.
• It is a key component of the internationally important Javakheti wetlands, crucial for bird conservation.
• The lake freezes solid for 4-5 months each winter due to the high elevation and harsh continental climate of the Javakheti plateau.