Lake Sulunga

(Redirected from Bahi Swamp)

Lake Sulunga, also known as Bahi Swamp, is a shallow seasonal lake on the border of the Dodoma and Singida regions In Tanzania. It is the largest body of water for both regions during the wet season.

Lake Sulunga
Satellite image of Lake Sulunga.
Located in Central Tanzania.
Located in Central Tanzania.
Lake Sulunga
LocationDodoma Region and Singida Region, Tanzania
Coordinates6°5′S 35°11′E / 6.083°S 35.183°E / -6.083; 35.183
Primary inflowsBubu
Primary outflowsendorheic
Catchment area23,447 km2 (9,053 sq mi)
Max. length42 km (26 mi)
Max. width26 km (16 mi)
Surface area974 km2 (376 sq mi)
SettlementsChala
Drainage basin of Lake Sulunga (green)

It is located about 45 km west of the capital Dodoma in an endorheic basin known as the Bahi depression. It lies at an altitude of 830 metres (2,720 ft) and has a maximum extent of 974 square kilometres (376 sq mi). The catchment area is 23,447 square kilometres (9,053 sq mi). The lake is about 42 kilometres (26 mi) long and 26 kilometres (16 mi) wide, but can completely disappear in dry years. Its main tributaries are the Bubu and the Mponde.

The lake is surrounded by a variety of settlements and plays an important role in local fishing and animal husbandry.[1]

The lake is in danger of being severely affected by mining in the future, as the area is evidently home to uranium, gold and probably diamonds.[2]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Hydrology of the Bahi wetland, Tanzania" (PDF).
  2. ^ "Bahi North". Archived from the original on 2011-02-24. Retrieved 2020-09-20.