Bosomtwe is a circular lake, caused by a meteor impact a million years ago. Why the need to work at Lake Bosomtwe? Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. Location Lake Bosomtwe and effects of human activities Lake Bosomtwe is a meteoritic impact lake believed to have been created in the Pleistocene period. It is believed to be the result of meteoritic action about 1 million years ago, when a crater … Infobox lake lake_name = Lake Bosumtwi image_lake = Bosumtwi Worldwind SW.jpg caption_lake = image_bathymetry = caption_bathymetry = location = Ghana coords = The sides rise steeply, covered with trees and bush. The various communities around Lake Bosomtwe are very welcoming. The Bosumtwi (Bosomtwe) is an undrained lake in the Southeast of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. If you are lucky someone will open a coconut or two for you for a few cedis. Lake Bosomtwe situated near Kumasi, formed by meteoritic crater is also a surface water resource. Because the lake Bosomtwe (Bosumtwi) is actually filling a meteorite crater formed 1 million years ago, it is almost perfectly circular (diameter 8 km) and surrounded by a small mountain barrier. This lake was made from a meteor that hit Earth over one million years ago and formed a creator surrounded by mountains that was then fed through a natural underground spring to form the lake. It is about 30 kilometers south-east of Kumasi the capital of Ashanti and is a popular recreational area. The lake was probably formed by … Lake Bosomtwe was formed by a falling Meteorite about 1.3 million years ago. This was discovered by Rock analysis in 1965 in the USA. Oral tradition taught as that the lake Bosomtwe was formed in 1648 when a hunter pursuing and antelope shot and injured the antelope , the antelope however continued to its run until it disappeared in a small pond ahead . Longitude: 1°19’22”W – 1°29’30”W With an area of 19 square miles (49 square km) and a depth of 230–240 feet (70–73 metres), the lake is fed by small streams that tumble down the crater’s steep sides (500–1,400 feet [150–425 metres] above water level). It approached from the east and hit the 2 billion years old rocks (quartzite, phyllite, slate, and granite) with extraordinary force. occupation of the respondents in the lake Bosomtwe catchment area (Table 3). This crater was created by approximately 500 m wide chondrite (stone) meteorite, which entered the atmosphere with a speed of some 20 km per second. The name Bosomtwe (also spelt “Bosomtwi”) is derived from two Akan names, “bosom” meaning god or deity and “ɔtwe” meaning antelope. Lake Bosomtwe was formed when a meteor impacted in West Africa Sarah Begum. The only true inland lake in the country, it has no surface outlet and was formed in a meteorite impact crater. It is seen as taboo to use a regular dugout canoe or for metal or iron to touch the lake surface (i.e. The southernmost section of the site overlaps the northern section of the Bosomtwe Range Forest Reserve creating a combination of forest, wetland and mountain ecosystems. It was so beautiful and peaceful there. There is a stone at the lake side called Abrodwum Stone and believed to be the spiritual centre of the lake. However, there have been some unregulated human activities and Attraction Category: See Ghana, Cultural Sites, Eco Tourism, Historical Sites, and Nature. It is an awesome place to relax and enjoy nature. Lake Bosomtwe is an important national cultural and natural site of particular relevance for international conservation. 2.2. Following the impact, the resulting crater filled with water which later formed lake Bosomtwe. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. There are also some great hikes up into the hills, and the sacred areas around villages. During her time in Ghana, Sarah Begum experienced the lives of a community that surrounds one of the world’s few lakes situated in an ancient meteor impact crater It must be admitted that it is not clear whether the crater in which Lake Bosomtwi lies is volcanic in origin, was formed by a meteorite or a small pond. The Bosomtwe District is one of the twenty-seven (27) districts in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.Its capital is Kuntanase.The district was formed after the Atwima Kwanwoma District was taken out of the former Botsomtwe/Atwima/Kwanwoma District. Lake Bosomtwi also sometimes spelled Bosomtwe, is a lake formed by an ancient meteorite strike in the Ashanti Region. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... …Ghana’s only true natural lake—Bosumtwi—lying in a meteorite impact crater and without any outlet to the sea. The lake is becoming a popular tourist attraction in Ghana and has the potential to be developed as an ecotourism site in the future. The lake has no surface outlet and was formed in a meteorite impact crater with an area of 19 square miles (49 square km) and a depth of 230–240 feet (70–73 metres), The lake is surrounded by lush mountains and fed by small streams that tumble down the crater’s steep sides (500–1,400 feet [150–425 metres] above water level). There are various settlements around, mainly fishing and farming villages but also some places to stay. Lake Bosomtwe is an important national cultural and natural site of particular relevance for international conservation. If there is one waterbody which is as mystical as it is beautiful then Lake Bosomtwe is your answer. He then named the place “Bosomtwe” which in English translates “antelope god.” He believed that the water was a god and saved the life of the antelope. You will see tree trunks coming out of the water because of this also. It occupies a meteorite impact crater that was formed about one million years ago. Oral tradition has it that the Lake Bosomtwe was formed in 1648 when a hunter pursuing and antelope shot and injured the antelope “Otwe” – in the Twi dialect. Since the 1970s, the lake has become a popular recreational spot, with calm water where you can safely swim. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Lake-Bosumtwi, UNESCO - Ecological Sciences for Sustainable Development - Lake Bosomtwe. Either way, the lake is a beautiful spot, encircled by mountainous, thickly vegetated crater walls rising several altitudes. It is believed that Lake Bosomtwe water level continues to rise, and because of this the villages have had to keep moving up the hillside. Since the 1970s, the lake has become a popular recreational spot, with calm water where you can safely swim. The area is widely used for research, especially on climate change, as well as environmental education for schools and universities. Situated in the Ashanti region of Ghana, Lake Bosomtwe is one of six UNESCO designated biosphere reserve sites. 13 Aug 2018 . With an area of 19 square miles (49 square km) and a depth of 230–240 feet (70–73 metres), the lake is fed by small streams that tumble down the crater’s steep sides (500–1,400 feet [150–425 metres] above water level). Oral tradition taught as that the lake Bosomtwe was formed in 1648 when a hunter pursuing and antelope shot and injured the antelope , the antelope however continued to its run until it disappeared in a small pond ahead . It is presumed that in those times wester… Lake Bosomtwe was formed by a falling Meteorite about 1.3 million years ago. Some claim that Bosomtwi is where a deity called “Twi” resides. Fossils of many animals including Lions, Elephants, Tigers, Black Cobras, Pythons, Alligators, and many more were found along the lake’s banks indicating that these animals once inhabited the area around the lake. Midpoint: 6°30’16”N – 1°24’31”W. Each village has its own shrine with many visiting to look for spiritual help. Along the coast are numerous lagoons, most of them formed at the mouths of small streams.…. There is only one paved road going to the lake. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Lake Bosomtwe is the only true inland lake in the country located in the Ashanti region. Some people believe that the lake was created by a volcanic activity while others say it was created by a falling meteorite that hit the area, causing a crater to be formed. We didn't want to leave: Lake Bosomtwe Paradise Resort - See 42 traveller reviews, 43 photos, and cheap deals for Lake Bosomtwe Paradise Resort at Tripadvisor. Bosomtwe is a circular lake, caused by a meteor impact a million years ago. The sides rise steeply, covered with trees and bush. Usually, whenever there is poor yield, it is considered a bad omen, thus sacrifices would have to be made. It is one of three of such internationally recognized sites in the country – Bia in the Western, and Songhor in Greater Accra Region. There is a tarred road that gives access to the Lake Bsomtwe from the direction of Kumasi, it rises in elevation over the rim around the lake and down into the lake ending at the first village Abono. The name means Antelope God because it is said to be discovered by a hunter chasing an antelope that disappeared into the lake like it was trying to save the animal. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The only true inland lake in the country, it has no surface outlet and was formed in a meteorite impact crater. Lake Bosomtwe is the only natural lake in Ghana. The biosphere reserve sustains 35 tree species, including some used for timber. Lake Bosomtwe is situated about 32 km southeast of Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Currently, there are about 23,000 people living in the 27 communities around Lake Bosomtwe. This was brought about by the reduction in fish catch and fish composition from Lake Bosomtwe. The extreme kinetic energy of the meteorite caused an explosion which most certainly was felt on whole Earth. Lake Bosumtwi also sometimes spelled Bosomtwe, is a lake formed by an ancient meteorite strike in the Ashanti Region. Lake Bosomtwe (Latitude 6.504; Longit ude −1.4145) is a crater lake situated in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, West Africa, and is one of few meteoritic lakes in the world. Lake Bosomtwe was formed by a falling meteriite about 1.6 million years ago. Updates? Is a lake formed by an ancient meteorite strike in TheAshanti Empire . Omissions? This was itself carved from the former Ejisu/Juaben/Bosomtwe District. In spite of academic theories surrounding its formation, getting on site will certainly let you wonder how the place was formed. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Thus Bosomtwe is thus translated antelope god. The Bosomtwe Land Restoration Project. The next day, we headed 35km outside of Kumasi to spend the night at Lake Bosomtwe! Fossils of many animals including Lions, Elephants, Tigers, Black Cobras, Pythons, Alligators and many more were also found along the rivers banks indicating that these animals once inhabited the area around the lake. Lake Bosumtwe also sometimes spelled Bosomtwi, is a lake formed by an ancient meteorite strike in the Ashanti Region. The site is also home to a great diversity of wildlife and a human population of over 50,000 inhabitants whose main economic activities are farming, fishing and tourism, as the lake is a major national tourist destination. Till date they move on the lake using the “padua”, a wooden plank that needs a lot of skill to be handled in the right way. Lake Bosumtwi, lake, south-central Ghana, 17 miles (27 km) southeast of Kumasi. Tourism. Each village in the lake area has its own shrine or fetish grove. Oral tradition has it that the Lake Bosomtwe was formed in 1648 when a hunter pursuing and antelope shot and injured the antelope “Otwe” – in the Twi dialect. 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