Boiling Lake Facts
- The most noteworthy fact about the Boiling Lake remains its status as the second-largest hot lake in the world. In addition, it itself forms part of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which is a World Heritage Site.
- The first ever recorded sighting of this geological marvel was in 1870, by Edmund Watt and Henry Nicholls. Also, the first scientific investigation of the site was carried out in 1875.
- Not only is it extremely unique, its location also ranks as somewhat remote. The nearest road sits about 8.1 mi (13 km) from the site, thus access remains limited.
- Interestingly, the site stays active, so will occasionally drain, and even form geyser-like fountains of hot water and steam. Occasionally, it will even empty and refill in only a single day.
Boiling Lake Physical Description
The dimensions of the Boiling Lake remain constantly variable, depending upon conditions.
Typically mild phreatic eruptions in the region occur periodically and dramatically affect the level of the small lake. Yet its diameter averages between 200-250 ft (61-76 m) across. The depth of the lake naturally also varies, yet an average depth has been determined to be about 195 ft (59 m).
The color of the water also varies, including becoming green, yet usually, ranges from grayish-blue to bright blue. In addition, the temperature of Boiling Lake ranges between 180-197 F (82-92 C).
This flooded fumarole sits amid jagged outcroppings of rock, which average approximately 100 ft (30 m) in height. Besides to the ever-present steam, the site will occasionally spew forth various noxious gases as well.
Boiling Lake Location and Formation
The beautiful yet dangerous Boiling Lake sits approximately 6.5 mi (10.5 km) east of the town of Roseau, Dominican Republic. Consequently, the site not only has the distinction of being remote, but the surrounding terrain also presents rugged conditions.
The water originates from plentiful rainfall and two small streams that flow into the site. As a result, the water becomes super-heated by proximity to the underlying magma chamber.
Various combinations of minerals in the water create the color, which varies, yet generally remains either bluish gray or bright blue.
Being rather porous in nature, the surrounding rocks also allow the water to escape rapidly when the nearby volcanic activity interrupts the regular inflow.