By Brian Hudson
Travelers arriving at Lake Tahoe are immediately stuck by its beauty and tranquility. The crystal clear blue lake has become a favorite destination for families, skiers, and couples, drawing millions of visitors a year to enjoy both man-made attractions and natural wonders.
Age
The Lake Tahoe basin was formed more than 2 million years ago.
Geology
Lake Tahoe was formed by a crack in the Earth's surface called a "geologic block fault." The same fracture also created the nearby Carson Range and Sierra Nevada mountains.
Geography
Lake Tahoe currently sits on the border between California and Nevada, with much of its shoreline protected by various state parks or other natural preserves.
Size
Lake Tahoe is recognized as the second-deepest freshwater lake in the United States. At its deepest, the lake drops to 1,645 feet (501 m).
Settlements
Many cities and towns dot the Lake Tahoe shoreline, the largest of which is South Lake Tahoe, CA. There are also numerous small ski villages and ski resorts lining the shore.
Pollution & Cleanup
Lake Tahoe is struggling with an increase in pollution concentration, mainly caused by years of extensive shoreline real estate development ; only recently have efforts stepped up to reverse the trend.
Mountains
Amongst the highest peaks in the mountain ranges that border Lake Tahoe are Freel Peak, at 10,886 feet, and Mount Rose, at 10,778 feet.
Resources
About the Author:
Brian Hudson is an educator and freelance writer living in Dearborn, Mich. He has been freelancing since 1998, and in that time he has written for "DRAGON Magazine," the Role-Playing Game Association, MacFarland Publishing, and Blue Bike Books. He holds a Master of Arts in English language and literature from Central Michigan University.
