Tsundi Lake

Tsundi Lake (წუნდის ტბა – Tsundis Tba) is a small but notably deep lake located on the expansive Javakheti Volcanic Plateau in Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti region, within Aspindza Municipality. Situated at a high elevation of around 1550 meters, close to the significant historical site of Tsunda (featuring an ancient church and cave complex), the lake is believed to have formed within a volcanic crater or depression, possibly a maar. Despite its modest surface area (around 4-5 hectares), it reaches depths of about 15 meters. Fed primarily by underground springs, snowmelt, and rain, this freshwater lake is known for its clear waters and supports fish populations, making it a site for local recreational fishing. Set against the backdrop of the characteristic Javakheti landscape of grasslands and volcanic terrain, Tsundi Lake offers natural beauty adjacent to a place of considerable historical importance and falls within the Javakheti Protected Areas system.

Identification and Location:

• Name of the Lake: Tsundi Lake (წუნდის ტბა – Tsundis Tba).
• Location:
  • Country/Region: Georgia, Samtskhe-Javakheti region, Aspindza Municipality.
  • Specific Location: On the Javakheti Plateau, immediately adjacent to the historical site and former village of Tsunda.
  • Nearest Major Landmark/Area: Tsunda historical site, Vardzia Cave Monastery (in the same wider region), town of Aspindza.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 41.45∘N,43.31∘E.
  • Relationship to other bodies of water: A high-altitude plateau lake. Primarily fed by groundwater and surface runoff within its local catchment. Has a small outflow stream that contributes to the Mtkvari (Kura) River basin.

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: Small, approximately $0.04-0.05$ km2 (4-5 hectares).
• Maximum Depth: Relatively deep for its size, approximately $14-15$ meters.
• Average Depth: Approximately $6-7$ meters.
• Volume: Small.
• Elevation: Approximately $1540-1550$ meters above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Short, approximately 0.7 – 0.8 km.
• Water Source(s): Primarily groundwater (springs, possibly influenced by volcanic/karst features), snowmelt, and precipitation.
• Outlet(s) (if any): A small surface stream flows out of the lake.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Volcanic origin; occupies a depression likely formed by volcanic activity (possibly a maar crater) on the Javakheti Plateau.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): Surrounded by grasslands and steppe vegetation typical of the Javakheti Plateau. Aquatic vegetation adapted to cool, clear waters exists within the lake.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Supports fish populations and is used for local fishing (species present may include trout and others adapted to plateau lakes). Hosts amphibians and various aquatic invertebrates. The surrounding plateau is important for birdlife, including waterfowl that visit the lakes, and mammals adapted to the highland steppe environment.
• Trophic Level: Ranges from Oligotrophic to Mesotrophic (nutrient-poor to moderately nutrient-rich).
• Water Clarity: Water is generally clear.
• Water Temperature: Remains cool due to high altitude, with surface warming during summer months. Freezes over during the winter.
• pH Levels: Near-neutral to slightly alkaline.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Sufficient to support resident fish populations.
• Unique Ecological Features: A high-altitude lake of volcanic origin on the Javakheti Plateau. Provides important aquatic habitat in the region.
• Conservation Status: Located within the Javakheti Protected Areas network (Javakheti National Park or associated Managed Reserves).
• Invasive Species: Specific information unavailable, potential exists for introduced fish species impacting native fauna if present.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: Its immediate proximity to the ancient and historically significant Tsunda church and cave complex gives the lake considerable cultural context.
• Current Uses: Utilized for local recreational fishing. Potentially serves as a water source for livestock. Attracts some limited tourism, usually combined with visits to the Tsunda historical site and other regional attractions like Vardzia.
• Environmental Issues: Susceptible to impacts from agricultural activities on the surrounding plateau (nutrient runoff). Water levels can fluctuate based on precipitation and snowmelt patterns, potentially impacted by climate change. Protecting water quality is important for the ecosystem and local use.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Managed under the regulations of the Javakheti Protected Areas. Conservation focuses on preserving the natural landscape and biodiversity of the plateau, including its lakes.
• Local Communities: Provides a resource (fishing, water) and a place of natural interest for residents of nearby villages in Aspindza Municipality. Holds potential for integrated cultural and nature-based tourism development.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• Tsundi Lake is notably deep relative to its small surface area, suggesting a crater-like basin.
• It is situated on the vast Javakheti Volcanic Plateau, a unique landscape in Georgia characterized by numerous lakes and volcanic formations.
• Located directly beside the ancient Tsunda religious and historical complex, blending natural beauty with significant cultural heritage.