IAG Photo Contest – winner November 2024
The winner of the IAG Photo Contest in November 2024 is Olutoyin Fashae (Nigeria)! Find below her photo and descriptive text.
If you want to participate in the context, find the rules, guidelines and details on the procedure here.
Iyake Lake – Africa’s Hanging Lake Sculpted by Nature
by Fashae Olutoyin, Nigeria
The Iyake Lake, also known as the Ado Awaye Suspended Lake in Oyo State, Nigeria, is Africa’s only recognized suspended lake and one of just two globally. Formed within a granitic inselberg, the lake is a rare natural depression that collects water, creating a permanent lake. This humid tropical geomorphosite highlights the interaction between hydrology and geomorphology, shaped by structural weaknesses in the bedrock exploited through weathering and erosion over time. Surrounded by exfoliation domes and tors, it offers insights into tropical landscape evolution. The Yoruba people revere the lake as a sacred site, believing it holds spiritual powers and fertility significance. It attracts tourists seeking cultural connection and natural beauty, alongside researchers interested in its unique geological processes. To preserve this natural wonder, sustainable tourism and conservation efforts are essential, ensuring its cultural, scientific, and aesthetic legacy endures for future generations.