One of the most important natural wonders in Hungary is in grave danger
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The third-largest lake in Hungary, Lake Velence, is dying. Due to extreme water levels, massive fish and bird deaths, and uneven rainfall, Lake Velence has been in the news recently. Due to the destruction of wildlife, many are thinking of deteriorating water quality, but the water quality of Lake Velence remains good. With the help of Dr Tibor Bรญrรณ, Dean of the Faculty of Water Sciences of the National University of Public Administration, weโll showcase the situation of Lake Velence.
Dr Tibor Bรญrรณ told Napiย that the Pรกtka and Zรกmoly reservoirs help to regulate the water level of Lake Velence. The catchment area of Lake Velence is more than 600 square kilometres. However, the water of the lake depends mainly on the precipitation that falls on the catchment areas.ย
The low water level can be attributed to the low rainfall.
Although precipitation has not decreased significantly over the past 30 years, average temperatures have risen significantly.ย Higher temperatures bring more evaporation and leakage. Unfortunately, this is a self-perpetuating process. After all, the lower the water level, the easier it is to heat up and evaporate.
Hungaryโs third largest lake is in great trouble!
However, there is no complaint about the water quality of Lake Velence. The mass fish mortality experienced in the summer was probably due to a lack of oxygen; however, studies have not yet fully supported this theory. โThe relatively sudden rise in temperature, the concomitant decrease in oxygen concentration, and the coincidence of the spawning period may have caused a state of stress that led to fish death,โ said Dr Tibor Bรญrรณ.