The stunning beauty of Lake Malawi, or Lake Nyasa as it is also known, has captivated people around the world. Its nickname, the calendar lake, poetically references its extraordinary shape; long thin strands stretching away from the north-south axis of the lake create a rectangular ‘calendar-like’ design, reflecting the proportions of a calendar. But the reason behind its presence and what the meaning behind Lake Malawi’s calendar-like shape actually is, has mystified people for years.
Firstly, the unique formation of the lake itself explains why the nickname has become so apt. A Rift Valley lake, Malawi boasts an estimated shoreline of 500 miles. This is made up of narrow sections, known as ‘Narrows’, that almost always coincide with the presence of islands. The significant length of narrow sections gives Lake Malawi its distinctive shape, since these sections are about 5 – 8 miles long on average.
The periodic configuration of the Narrows is believed to owe itself to the large tectonic movement taking place in East Africa, in what is known as the Great East African Rift Valley. This movement has caused the land to become displaced, resulting in the creation of steep hills and valleys, with Lake Malawi forming in the middle of this natural phenomenon.
Secondly, the geographical aspect of the lake has a bearing on the nickname. The long and winding shoreline of Lake Malawi is incredibly irregular and this has caused a range of different height and depth zones to be created. In some places, the lake is relatively shallow and in others it drops more than 2,000 metres.
The unique topography has mesmerised explorers for centuries and one of these was Sir David Livingstone. Livingstone famously declared Lake Malawi to be “the calendar lake, twelve months of sunshine and twelve hours of day and night”. He accounted for this in his journals, noting that due to the lake’s unique shape, one could sail around the lake and experience twelve months of sunshine and twelve hours of day and night, within a single journey.
Thirdly, Lake Malawi has also been renowned for its beautiful floral life. Every year, hundreds of rare and endangered aquatic plants thrive in the lake and a wide variety of colourful fish, including cichlids, can be found in these waters. But the most outstanding thing about this lake is the fact that no two islands are the same. The islands vary in shape, size and colours, a fact that has earned the lake the nickname “the calendar lake”.
Fourthly, the fact that Lake Malawi is an incredibly old lake is integral to its nickname too. Being one of the oldest lakes in the world, Malawi is believed to have formed around one million years ago, although some evidence suggests that it formed even earlier. This is significant since the ‘calendar-like’ shape of Lake Malawi has endured for the longest time, making it one of the few natural features in the world which has lasted for such a remarkable period of time.
Limnology
When attempting to understand the science behind Lake Malawi, limnology and geology are the two most important elements of study to consider. Limnology is the study of fresh water and it concerns the biological, physical, and chemical properties of all inland water ecosystems, such as lakes, rivers, and ponds. This is critical when looking at the extraordinary formation of the lake, since understanding the lake’s biology, geology and ecological context enable further insight into the nickname, “calendar lake”.
Limnology is an important science because it helps to explain why Lake Malawi is so unique. Limnological studies of Lake Malawi have shown that its unusual structure and shape is due to powerful tectonic forces which have been driving the formation and evolution of the lake’s shape over time. Limnology also explains why the lake is so deep and how long it has been in existence. In turn, this helps to explain why the lake has such a long, winding shoreline and why its nickname has become so apt.
Furthermore, limnology has enabled us to understand the biological composition of the lake too. Exploring Lake Malawi’s biology is key to appreciating why the lake has been labelled “the calendar lake”. For example, limnological studies have shown that the lake is home to a variety of plant species, including several species of aquatic plants. Additionally, due to the lake’s low levels of dissolved oxygen, the water hosts a unique variety of cichlids, which are one of the most colourful and diverse groups of freshwater fish in the world.
Geology
Though limnology has been fundamental in understanding the biology and ecology of the lake, it is geology which explains the physical structure of Lake Malawi. A key feature of the lake bed is its parallel phase boundaries, known as escarpments. These are caused by a number of tectonic processes, such as global warming, which have been pushing the lake bed upwards, causing rises in the lake’s surface. This process has formed the lake’s long, winding shorelines and its notable ‘calendar-like’ shape.
This geological process also explains why the lakebed on one side is shallower than the other and why certain areas are prone to large waves. Additionally, geology has helped us to understand why certain islands in the lake have formed in certain ways and why the lake’s overall shape and size is so unique. Geology also explains why Lake Malawi is one of the oldest lakes in the world, having formed over one million years ago.
Geological research has also enabled us to understand the impacts of climate change on Lake Malawi. Climate change has had a significant impact on the lake over the past few years, with rising temperatures and changes in rainfall leading to rising water levels and changes in the lake’s ecosystem. For example, due to rising temperatures, the lake’s water level has increased, resulting in increased sedimentation, leading to a decrease in water clarity and a loss of fish species and aquatic plants.
Cultural Significance
In addition to the scientific explanations behind Lake Malawi’s nickname, cultural significance plays a large role as well. Throughout its long and complex history, Lake Malawi has become a key symbol of identity for the various people who have settled in the region. For example, the fishing villages which dot the lake’s shoreline provide livelihoods for the local population and generate income for the country. Additionally, the lake has long been used as a place of cultural exchange and understanding between different tribes and cultures.
Furthermore, the lake is often a site for religious activities and many festivals. Those living around it regularly take part in celebrations of Ancestor’s Day and other ceremonies which are held around the lake’s shores. This adds another layer to the meaning of Lake Malawi’s nickname and serves to further highlight its importance to the people and the region.
The lake’s cultural significance is also evident in its art. The artistry of the people of Malawi has been greatly inspired by the beauty of the lake and its surroundings. Local artists often draw upon the rich colours and textures of the lake’s shoreline to create vibrant and striking works of art; works which often feature the lake as the central idea, speaking to the fact that the lake is such a core part of life in the region.
Political Significance
Lake Malawi also has clear political implications. The lake’s unique position on the border of three countries – Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania – has caused numerous disputes in recent years and has led to significant tensions between the different nations. Each nation has used the lake as a politically divisive tool, claiming rights to different parts of the lake, resulting in long-term conflicts and economic consequences.
This has had serious environmental impacts too. The lake has suffered various forms of environmental degradation, including overfishing, pollution and climate change. Additionally, this has led to reduced access to resources and decrease in life quality for local populations. All of this has only served to increase the tensions between the nations, resulting in a stalemate when it comes to ratified agreements.
Lake Malawi is also of strategic economic importance due to the minerals and resources that can be extracted from its depths. This has led to large-scale exploitation of the lake, with companies extracting valuable minerals from the lake and large-scale fishing operations further degrading its fragile ecosystem. These activities have caused increased tensions between the nations and have only served to create more uncertainty and conflict around the lake.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of Lake Malawi cannot be overstated. Its remarkable beauty and diversity have been seriously damaged by both seasonal climate events and large-scale exploitation over the years. This has caused a decrease in fish populations and an increase in the number of invasive species. Additionally, the sedimentation of the lake has caused a decrease in water clarity, leading to a loss of aquatic plants and an overall decrease in the biodiversity of the lake.
Climate change has also had a dramatic impact on Lake Malawi, leading to an increase in water levels and an intensification of storms and floods. These events have been catastrophic for certain areas, resulting in the displacement of local populations and a loss of livelihoods and resources.
Despite the various environmental challenges and issues, locals have worked hard to protect the lake from further damage. Local conservation initiatives have focused on reducing pollution, limiting over-fishing, and managing the lake’s unique biodiversity. Additionally, local organisations have encouraged education around the lake’s importance and have called for greater government and international aid in order to preserve the lake for future generations.
