Cayuga Lake is the longest of western New York's glacial Finger Lakes and has the largest surface area.
Ithaca, New York, site of Cornell University, sits at the southern end of Cayuga Lake. Cornell's alma mater or official school song makes reference to its position "far above Cayuga's waters".
Geographical characteristics
Cayuga Lake is located at 42.2 N, 76.1 W; 116.4m above sea level. Its depth, steep east and west sides with shallow north and south ends is typical of the Finger Lakes, as they were carved by glaciers during the last ice age.
Length: 61.4 km
Average Width: 2.8 km
Maximum Depth: 132 m
Surface Area: 172 sq.km
Mean Depth: 54.5 m
Catchment Area: 2,033 sq.km (37.1% natural forest, 58% active agricultural)
Main Islands: None
Main Outflows: 1
The water level is regulated by the Mud Lock at the north end of the lake. It is connected to Lake Ontario by the Erie Canal and Seneca Lake by the Seneca River. The lake is drawn down as winter approaches to minimize ice damage and to maximize its capacity to store heavy spring runoff.
The north end is dominated by shallow mudflats and is an important stopover for migratory birds, where Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is located.
Human impact
The fish population is managed and substantial sport fishing is practised, including smelt, lake trout and smallmouth bass fishing. A large yacht marina is located at the southern end and there is also a yacht club on the western shore.
The lake is used both for drinking water and waste disposal. There are also several lake source cooling systems that are in operation on the lake, whereby cooler water is pumped from the depths of the lake, warmed, and circulated in a closed system back to the surface. One of these systems, which is operated by Cornell University and began operation in 2000, was controversial during the planning and building states for potential negative environmental impact; however, all the environmental impact reports and scientific studies have shown that the Cornell lake source cooling system has not yet and will not likely have any measurably significant environmental impact. Furthermore, Cornell's system pumps significantly less warm water back into the lake than others further north which have been operating for decades.
See also
- Taughannock Falls
- Fall Creek
External links
