Cayuga Lake
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. Also, Cornell University has come under some criticism for its plan of lake source cooling, whereby cooler water is pumped from the depths of the lake, warmed, and circulated in a closed system back to the surface. Whether the resulting higher water temperature has a signicant environmental impact is under debate. Views of both sides may be found below.
See also
