Laguna Cuadrada

Sierra Nevada is known for hosting numerous high mountain lakes, some of which are called "lagunas" in Spanish. The most remarkable feature of these lakes is that, due to their low latitude, they are among the highest temporarily thawed glacial lakes on the continent. Most high lakes are oligotrophic (Chl a <1 μg L−1), highly transparent (>10% of photosynthetically active radiation [PAR, 400–700 nm] penetrate to maximum depth) and with low dissolved organic carbon (<1 mg C L−1). These pristine lakes are often nestled in scenic alpine settings and contribute to the region's natural beauty.