Lake Argentino

Infobox_lake
lake_name = Lake Argentino
image_lake = Glaciar-Perito-Moreno-01.jpg
caption_lake = lake with Perito Moreno glacier
caption_bathymetry =
coords = coord|50|2|S|72|4|W|type:waterbody_region:AR|display=inline,title
type =
inflow =
outflow = Santa Cruz River
catchment = 17,000 km²
basin_countries = Argentina
length =
width =
area = 1,466 km²
depth = 150 m
max-depth = 500 m
volume = 219.9 mio m³
residence_time =
shore =
elevation = 187 m
islands =
cities = El Calafate

Lake Argentino (in Spanish, "Lago Argentino") is a freshwater lake located in the Patagonian provincec|Santa Cruz|Argentina, at coord|50|2|S|72|4|W. It is the biggest lake in Argentina, with a surface area of 1,466 km² (maximum width: 20 km). It has an average depth of 150 m, and a maximum of 500 m.

The lake lies within the Los Glaciares National Park, in a landscape with numerous glaciers and is fed by the glacial meltwater of several rivers, the water from Lake Viedma brought by the La Leona River, and many mountain streams. Its drainage basin amounts to more than 17,000 km². Waters from Lake Argentino flow into the Atlantic Ocean through the Santa Cruz River.

The glaciers, the nearby town of El Calafate and the lake itself are important touristic destinations. The lake in particular is appreciated for fishing.

"Lago Argentino" is also the name of the airport airport codes|ING|SAWA that serves the area, located at coord|50|20|S|72|15|W|. The town of El Calafate is sometimes called Lago Argentino. This Airport is currently closed and has been replaced by Comandante Armando Tola International Airport airport codes|FTE|SAWC which serves the town of Calafate and Lago Argentino, with many daily national and international flights.

References

* [http://www.ilec.or.jp/database/sam/dssam066.html Lake Argentino] on the website of the [http://www.ilec.or.jp/ International Lake Environment Committee Foundation]
* [http://www.scruz.gov.ar/pesca/rios/largent.htm Lago Argentino] on the website of the government of Santa Cruz (in Spanish)
* Lago Argentino Airport at [http://www.world-airport-codes.com/argentina/lago-argentino-3914.html World Airport Codes] and [http://www.homepages.mcb.net/bones/06airfields/ICAO-S1.htm ICAO World Airfield Catalogue]