Yathkyed Lake (variant: Haecoligua; meaning: "white swan") is a natural freshwater lake in Kivalliq Region, Nunavut, Canada. Located between Angikuni Lake and Forde Lake, it is one of several lakes on the Kazan River. Yathkyed lake was named by the Sayisi Dene, historical barren-ground caribou hunters of the area. Caribou Inuit artifacts have also been found here. The lake has a surface area of 1,449 square kilometres.
It contains an island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island in a lake, also known as a fourth-order island.USGS EarthExplorer, 62°39′03″ N, 97°47′21″ W It is the only known fourth order island in the world.
Climate The climate of the area is cold with cold summers and no dry seasons.
Geography It is part of the Hearne Domain, Western Churchill province of the Churchill craton, which is the northwest section of the Canadian Shield. According to the Atlas of Canada the geographical centre of the country lies just south of the lake at . Yathkyed Lake lies at an elevation of 82 metres (269 feet). Some locations or hamlets near Yathkyed Lake are Baker Lake at 198 kilometres north north-east, Ennadai at 236 kilometres south-west and Rankin Inlet at 300 kilometres east.
Minerals The Yathkyed Sedimentary Basin is notable for its uranium, copper, and molybdenum deposits. Goldcorp has a mining stake in the area, owning approximately . Because Goldcorp owns this lake, it is not open to the public.
A geological survey of the area was conducted in 1993 to determine the presence of potential diamond-bearing diatremes.
See also
List of lakes of Nunavut List of lakes of Canada Recursive islands and lakes
References
External links Map, including area lakes Photos, Geological Survey of Canada, 2007