Lac de Melu, Glacial lake in Haute-Corse, France
Lac de Melu is a mountain lake situated at approximately 1710 meters elevation in the Haute-Corse peaks, characterized by clear, cold water. The body of water is compact and intimate, surrounded by steep rocky shores and low alpine vegetation.
The lake formed through glacial erosion during earlier ice ages, when massive ice sheets carved and shaped the mountainous terrain of Haute-Corse. This geological past created the basin that holds water today.
The lake is called Lavu di Melu in the local Corsican language, reflecting how mountain names carry the island's linguistic traditions. Visitors often hear these local terms from guides and other trekkers exploring the high peaks.
Access to the lake is via a hiking trail that departs from the Grotelle mountain hut at around 1370 meters elevation, requiring several hours round trip. The route is mountainous and demanding, so sturdy hiking boots and good fitness are important.
Scientists discovered a previously unknown bacterial species in the lake waters and named it after the location. These microscopic organisms show how isolated mountain lakes develop their own ecosystems.
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