LAKE TSANA Meaning and
Definition
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Lake Tana, also known as Lake Tsana, is a sizable freshwater lake situated in the highlands of Ethiopia. It is thought to be the largest lake in the country, covering a total surface area of around 3,673 square kilometers (1,416 square miles), with a maximum length of approximately 84 kilometers (52 miles) and a maximum width of roughly 66 kilometers (41 miles).
Located at an elevation of about 1,840 meters (6,040 feet) above sea level, Lake Tana serves as the main source of the Blue Nile River, one of the primary headwaters contributing to the Nile River system. The lake is fed by numerous rivers and streams originating from the surrounding mountains, and it ultimately drains into the Nile through the Blue Nile Falls, also known as Tis Issat, which lie a little over 30 kilometers (19 miles) downstream from the lake.
Lake Tana is famed for its ecological and cultural significance. Its shores are dotted with numerous monasteries, some of which date back to the medieval period, making it an important spiritual and religious site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. The lake also supports a rich biodiversity, acting as a natural habitat for several endemic fish species, as well as a sanctuary for various bird species. The lake's surrounding wetlands and marshes provide additional ecological value, functioning as essential breeding grounds for various aquatic organisms and supporting the livelihoods of local communities through fishing and agriculture.
Common Misspellings for LAKE TSANA
- kake tsana
- pake tsana
- oake tsana
- lzke tsana
- lske tsana
- lwke tsana
- lqke tsana
- laje tsana
- lame tsana
- lale tsana
- laoe tsana
- laie tsana
- lakw tsana
- laks tsana
- lakd tsana
- lakr tsana
- lak4 tsana
- lak3 tsana
- lake rsana
- lake fsana
Etymology of LAKE TSANA
The word "Lake Tsana" is derived from the Amharic language, which is the official language of Ethiopia. In Amharic, the lake is called "T'ana Hayk" or "T'san`aa". The term "T'ana" is believed to be a corruption of the Arabic word "tannah" or "tanna", which means "snake" or "serpent". This is likely due to the twisting shape of the lake, resembling a snake. The addition of "Hayk" or "T'san`aa" in Amharic simply means "lake". Hence, the name "Lake Tsana" or "Lake T'ana" reflects the Amharic adaptation of the Arabic term for the lake.
