Monday, October 30, 2023

Playa Lakes on the Panhandle

I’ve driven across the Texas Panhandle, but somehow I missed the nearly 20,000 ephemeral playa lakes.  They form when rainfall is high, then dry up.  When they dry up, their lake beds crack, so when it rains again water percolates down to help replenish the Ogallala Aquifer.  


According to the Nov. issue of Texas Highways, these lakes are incredibly important for the flora and fauna of the Panhandle.  And now, with global climate change, fewer of them are forming.  Others are being eliminated by development and agriculture.


Just once I would like to read some positive environmental news.  Just once.

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