Orcières Lakes

8 points of interest

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  Pastoralism

  Flocks of sheep

  Out of respect for the work of the shepherd, certain precautions are to be taken should you encounter a flock of sheep. Walk widely around the flock when possible; avoid walking through it. Sometimes flocks are guarded by "patous", large dogs that are trained to protect the flock against intrusion. It is considered part of the flock. In its presence, stay calm; stop to give it time to see who you are. Do not stroke it, do not make any sudden movements.

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  Panorama

  Here you have a view of the mineral framework of Orcières and its terraces.

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  Pastoralism

  A valley of pastoralism

  Roughly 2000 cattle graze in the Orcières valley, which is managed by mountain breeders. The pastures are divided into sectors according to snowmelt. As the summer progressively settles in, the flock goes to a higher altitude to graze on the fresh grass. Along with salt blocks, these meadows are the sole source of nourishment during the summer season.

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  Lake

  Grand lac des Estaris

  The lakes were created in different ways. "Barrier" lakes were formed by either moraine deposits left by glaciers that scooped out the basin or flat terrain, or by landslides coming from the steep slopes. "Basin" lakes were formed by the large glaciers of the quarternary age that carved out the softer rock as they advanced from Lyons to Sisteron. When the glaciers melted, 8000 years ago, these dips became lakes known as "basin lakes" The Estaris lake is a 'mixed' lake as it was created by a combination of both phenomena.

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  Flora

  White cotton grass

  As is often the case, it is when the plant has its fruit that it catches the eye. White cotton grows mainly near to lakes and on high altitude wetlands. Feather-like, packed white balls blow in the slightest mountain breeze.  The smooth, round stalks only have a few sheathing leaves.

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  Lake

  Monitoring of high altitude lakes

  The lake monitoring network was established by several concerned parties in order to create an observatory of altitude: to keep check on species but also on temperature, depth (bathymetry), turbidity, dissolved oxygen concentrations, conductivity, sediments, etc. The purpose of monitoring the lakes is to better understand their function and to anticipate the effects of global changes (climate, pollution, introduction of species of fish and so on) at the level of a catchment area.

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  Lake

  Lake wetlands

  The wetlands are a crossover area between the lakes and the land. They are home to considerable biodiversity. Their hydrological function means they can take water, stock it and restore it. Wetlands are part of a complex network made up of groundwater, lakes, streams, coombs...

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  Lake

  Altitude lakes

  Just as the glaciers, lakes are emblematic of the mountain landscape. They are an invaluable source of water and represent a priceless aesthetic and touristic heritage that well deserves our attention. Their altitude ecosystems are home to fauna and flora that are specific to such an environment. Their stability is fragile however. Indeed, the lakes "collect" waste from the mountain refuges, animal droppings and even atmospheric pollution from further afield.