Santi Lake

Santi Lake (სანთის ტბა – Santis Tba) is a natural freshwater lake located on the Tsalka Plateau, a part of the wider Javakheti volcanic highlands, in Tsalka Municipality within Georgia’s Kvemo Kartli region. Situated near the village of Santi at an elevation of about 1615 meters, it is one of several small lakes characteristic of this high-altitude plateau. Fed by snowmelt, rain, and underground springs, Santi Lake is relatively shallow, with a maximum depth of around 4-5 meters. Despite its modest size, it serves as an important ecological site, particularly as a habitat for numerous species of resident and migratory birds, especially waterfowl. The lake supports aquatic vegetation and fish populations, utilized by locals for fishing. Surrounded by the typical grasslands and steppe environment of the Tsalka Plateau, Santi Lake contributes to the biodiversity of this unique highland region.

Identification and Location:

• Name of the Lake: Santi Lake (სანთის ტბა – Santis Tba).
• Location:
  • Country/Region: Georgia, Kvemo Kartli region, Tsalka Municipality.
  • Specific Location: On the Tsalka Plateau, near the village of Santi.
  • Nearest Major Landmark/Area: Tsalka Plateau, Santi village, Bareti Lake (nearby), Tsalka Reservoir, town of Tsalka.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 41.60∘N,44.12∘E.
  • Relationship to other bodies of water: A natural lake on the plateau. It has a surface outflow stream that contributes to the Khrami River basin. Located in proximity to other plateau lakes like Bareti Lake.

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: Approximately $0.20$ km2 (20 hectares).
• Maximum Depth: Shallow, approximately $4.2$ meters.
• Average Depth: Shallow, approximately $2.1$ meters.
• Volume: Small.
• Elevation: Approximately $1610-1615$ meters above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Approximately 2 km.
• Water Source(s): Snowmelt, precipitation, and groundwater springs typical of the volcanic plateau.
• Outlet(s) (if any): Has a surface outflowing stream.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Occupies a natural depression on the Tsalka Plateau (Javakheti volcanic highlands), formed through processes related to the plateau’s volcanic and geological history.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): Surrounded by plateau grasslands and steppe vegetation. Supports aquatic vegetation such as reeds, rushes, and various submerged plants suitable for shallow, temperate lakes.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Hosts fish populations, utilized for local fishing. Abundant amphibians and aquatic invertebrates are present. The lake is a significant habitat for birdlife, serving as an important feeding, nesting, and resting site for numerous waterfowl and other wetland-associated bird species.
• Trophic Level: Mesotrophic to Eutrophic (moderately to highly nutrient-rich).
• Water Clarity: Moderate to low clarity, varying seasonally with runoff and biological activity.
• Water Temperature: Experiences significant seasonal temperature changes, warming in summer and freezing over in winter.
• pH Levels: Near-neutral to alkaline.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Variable, generally sufficient for fish life but can decrease in certain conditions (under ice, during high decomposition periods).
• Unique Ecological Features: A shallow plateau lake recognized as an important habitat for wetland birds within the Tsalka/Javakheti region.
• Conservation Status: Situated within the ecologically important Tsalka Plateau/Javakheti highlands landscape, vital for regional biodiversity, especially avifauna. No specific high-level protected designation is commonly mentioned for the lake itself.
• Invasive Species: Specific information unavailable.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: Part of a region with long-standing human settlement near Santi village. No major specific historical events are tied directly to the lake.
• Current Uses: Utilized by local communities for fishing (recreational/subsistence) and livestock watering. Attracts birdwatchers and nature observers. Limited general tourism development.
• Environmental Issues: Vulnerable to eutrophication, potentially increased by agricultural runoff from the surrounding plateau. Water levels can be sensitive to climatic variations affecting precipitation and snowmelt. Shoreline areas may be impacted by livestock grazing.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Falls under the general environmental oversight of the municipality. Conservation value is primarily linked to its role as a bird habitat.
• Local Communities: Provides resources (fish, water) and recreational value for residents of Santi village and nearby areas.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• Santi Lake is representative of the natural shallow lakes found across the Tsalka Plateau.
• It is particularly noted as an important location for birdwatching in the region.
• The lake possesses a surface outflow, contributing water to the local river system.
• It is slightly larger and deeper than the nearby Bareti Lake.