| Laguna San Rafael National Park | |
|---|---|
| IUCN Category II (National Park) | |
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| Location | Aysen Region, Chile |
| Nearest city | Puerto Chacabuco |
| Coordinates | Coordinates: |
| Area | 17,420 km² |
| Established | 1959 |
| Governing body | Corporación Nacional Forestal |
Laguna San Rafael National Park is a park located on the Pacific coast of southern Chile. The park is named for the San Rafael Lagoon formed by the retreat of the San Rafael Glacier. Created in 1959, it covers an area of 17,420 km² (6,726 square miles) and includes the Northern Patagonian Ice Field. A fjord more than 10 miles long is one of the park's principle attractions.
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History
Laguna San Rafael was discovered in 1675. The glacier that bears its name did not reach the lagoon at that time. It probably reached again it at some time between 1741 and 1766, and it has maintained a calving front since then.[1] The park was designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1979. [2]
Geography
The park comprises some of the higher mountains of Patagonia, such as the Monte San Valentín, Cerro Arenales, Cerro Hyades and Cerro Pared Norte. This park contains a number of rivers. Témpanos River is the outlet of San Rafael Lagoon and empties into the Gulf Elefantes, the southern part of Moraleda Channel. San Tadeo River is located in the Isthmus of Ofqui and flows into San Quintín Bay, in the north part of the Gulf of Penas. Also there are various rivers bordering the park, as are the Baker River and the Exploradores River. Presidente Ríos Lake spans the border between the park and Las Guaitecas National Reserve.
Climate
Average annual precipitation at Cabo Raper (lat 46°50'S.), on Taitao Peninsula, is about 2,000 mm. In the interior of fjords and channels, precipitation is higher, similar to that in the Los Lagos Region of Chile. At the meteorological station of Laguna San Rafael (lat 46°37'S.), the mean annual precipitation during the years 1981-85 was 4,440 mm. Precipitation increases with elevation and exceeds 6,000 mm on the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.[1]
Biology
Several species of birds find shelter in the park, including Black-browed Albatrosses, Great Grebes, Black-necked Swans and Cormorants. The wildlife in this area also include Chilean Dolphins, Sea Lions, Marine Otters and Elephant Seals.[3]
See also
References
- ^ a b USGS. P 1386-I -- Chile and Argentina - Wet Andes. Retrieved on 2006-12-15.
- ^ UNESCO - Park description at UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
- ^ Areas Silvestres. Región de Aisén. Sernatur. Retrieved on 2006-12-15.
