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Lake Waiau, at an altitude of 3,969 m (13,020 ft) atop Mauna Kea, is the only
alpine lake in the Hawaiian island chain. It is thought to have formed at the
end of the last glacial retreat, which was almost complete by 15,000
years ago. Since that time, sedimentary layers of silt, clay, and ash have
accumulated in the tiny, shallow lake-0.73 ha (1.8 acres) in surface area and
about 3 m (10 ft) deep (source USGS). It usually freezes in winter, but aquatic
insects such as midges and beetles can be found breeding in the water.
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| Time period: | Night |
| Light source: | Moon |
| Start time: | 21:30 |
| Duration: | 1.5 hour |
| Acceleration: | x 400 |
| Location: | Mauna Kea |
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