Loughareema: The Vanishing Lake

By: NDTVNewsDesk

Image: discovernorthernireland

Loughareema, also known as the Vanishing Lake, is a unique karst lake located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Image: discovernorthernireland

It's famous for its mysterious ability to disappear and reappear, hence the name.

Image: discovernorthernireland

The transformation, which can happen in hours, is caused by the lake's unique geology.

Image: discovernorthernireland

The lake fills with water from three streams and surrounding rainfall, but lacks an outlet.

Image: geolsoc.org.uk

Instead, water drains through sinks at the bottom of the lake, which can become blocked by peat and debris.

Image: geolsoc.org.uk

This causes the lake to fill up. Then when the water reaches a certain level, it all flushes through and the lake rapidly empties.

Image: atlasobscura

While scientists have a geological explanation, locals often attribute the lake's disappearing act to folklore and ghostly tales.

Image: atlasobscura

Stories of ghostly horses, kelpies, and other supernatural beings add to the lake's mystique.

Image: atlasobscura

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