Ibones: What are, characteristics, how they are formed and where they are

An ibón is a glacier origin that is located in the high areas of the Pyrenees. They formed thousands of years ago, when the glaciers excavated the terrain and, when they retired, they left depressions that were filled with water from the thaw, rain or small streams.

However, many do not know the meaning of the word in particular. The word “Ibón” comes from Aragon, the traditional language spoken in that region of the Pyrenees, and means precisely “mountain lake.” Over time, the term has remained to refer specifically to these height lakes, which are usually surrounded by rocky and spectacular views.

Em This other article you can learn more about the glacier lake: what is and how it is formed.

The ibones have several characteristics that make them unique within the Pyrenean landscape. First, they are usually at high altitude, normally above 1,500 meters, although some are even above 2,500 meters. This means that the climate that surrounds them is cold for much of the year, which directly influences their appearance and life they house. Many ibones remain ice cream in winter and part of spring, and the water they contain is very cold and crystalline. Another of their peculiarities is the surrounding environment. Being located on a high mountain, they are usually embedded between rocks, refrigerators and alpine meadows.

Flora of the Ibones

Its location and environment limit the type of flora that can grow near them. Among the flora of the ibones we can find that there are, on the banks and the surroundings of the lakes, plants adapted to the cold, such as small alpine flowers, mosses and lichens that support moisture and low temperatures well.

Ibones fauna

As for the fauna of the ibones, there is not as much diversity as in the lakes of lower areas, due precisely to the extreme climate and the shortage of nutrients in its waters. However, some very well adapted species live in them, such as amphibians, such as Pyrenean and frog tritones, aquatic insects and small invertebrates. In the immediate vicinity it is also possible to see marmotes, rebels and mountain birds such as the breakthrough or the real eagle.

We also recommend you read this other article about the flora and fauna of the Pyrenees.

The Ibones were formed thousands of years ago, during the last glaciations that modeled the landscape of the Pyrenees. The process was:

1. Great ice masses descended slowly through the mountains, acting as huge “natural bulldozers.”
2. The weight and movement of those glaciers were eroding the terrain, rolling rocks and digging depressions in the soil.
3. When the weather began to heat up and the glaciers withdrew, those cavities were free and began to fill with water from the thaw, rain and mountain streams. The result was the creation of high mountain lakes.

There are several ways to classify them. For example, they can be classified according to their nature:

• Classic or natural glaciers Ibones: Natural lakes formed by the erosion of ancient glaciers, such as the Ibón de Plan (Basa de la Mora), the Ibón de Anayet or the Ibón de Estanés.
• Ibones replied or modified: they are natural glaciers lakes to which a dam has been added to regulate their level, such as the Ibón de Estanés and the low bachimaña ibón.
• Ibones “Chelaus” or ice cream: those who remain frozen a good part of the year due to their high altitude, covered by characteristic bluish ice, which makes them very unique.

We can also classify them according to their location:

• High mountain ibones: located above 2,000 m, such as those of Anayet either Arrielsurrounded by steep peaks.
• Accessible or half mountain ibones: easier access and less altitude, such as Ibón de Plan or the Ibón de Estanésideal for family excursions.
• Ibones chained or group: sets of lakes that form connected glacier systems, such as Bachimaña ibones or the Ibones de Arriel.
• Solitarian ibones: isolated lakes in valleys or glacial circuses, such as the Ibón de Escarpinosawith great landscape and ecological value.

As we have mentioned before, the ibones are mainly in the Pyrenees, both in the Aragonese and French slope and to a lesser extent in Catalan. They are exclusive high mountain lakes, so they always appear in elevated areas, surrounded by spikes, rock and alpine grassbards.

In Aragon, especially in the Oscense Pyrenees, it is where most of them are concentrated. There they can be found in places like the Valle de Tena, the Benasque Valley or the area of ​​the Panticosa spa, which are authentic sanctuaries of Ibones of the Pyrenees of Huesca.

Some known examples to make a route of the ibones are:

• Bachimaña ibón
• Ibón de Sabocos
• Ibón de Estanés
• Ibones de Anayet
• Ibón de Crechase
• Ibón de Plan or “Basa de la Mora”
• Ibón de Espellunciecha
• Ibón de Piedrafita

The ibones are not just beautiful lakes in the middle of the mountains, they also fulfill a fundamental role at the ecological level.

• First, they function as fresh water reserves in high mountain areas. Its glacier origin and location make melting water and rainfall accumulate, which feeds streams and rivers that descend towards the valleys. In this way, they contribute to maintaining the water balance of the entire Pyrenean basin.
• In addition, Ibones are unique and fragile ecosystems. Although its waters are cold and poor in nutrients, they house unique species and very adapted to these extreme conditions. Some amphibians, such as the Pyrenean Triton, can only live in environments of this type, which makes Ibones key shelters for their survival.
• They also act as natural indicators of climate change. Due to their glacier origin and their location in high mountain, the ibones are very sensitive to temperature variations and the decrease in glaciers. Observe changes in their water level, in the flora of its surroundings or in the fauna that inhabits them allows scientists to study how the climate is evolving in the Pyrenees.
• Finally, you cannot forget its cultural and landscape value. The Ibones are part of the identity of the Pyrenees and have inspired legends, mountain routes and local traditions. In addition, they attract hikers, mountaineers and nature lovers, which also reinforces its importance in the tourist and economic field.

One of the main impacts of climate change in the ibones is the recoil of glaciers that reduces the supply of thaw water that feeds many ibones. This causes some to decrease their water level, partially dry in summer or even disappear in extreme cases.

On the other hand, we have the increase in the average temperature, which makes the Ibones remain ice cream for less time per year. That early thaw alters the natural cycles of amphibians, insects and plants that depend on these cold and stable conditions.

There is also a change in the flora and fauna of the ibones or high mountain. Some species adapted to the cold, such as the Pyrenean triton or certain alpine flowers, can be displaced by others that now find more favorable conditions in those heights, generating an imbalance in the ecosystem.

Yes, they are accessible through well -marked hiking trails and some even with support of lifts or telesillas, which makes them suitable for families and hikers of all levels.

The best time to visit the Ibones is summer. The climate is warmer and more safe, and the paths are clear, facilitating access and experience. The first half of September is especially attractive: the landscape is stained with autumn tones and there are less influx of visitors.

• Ibón: It is a mountain lake, generally small and natural, formed by the accumulation of thaw water in depressions created by old glaciers in the Pyrenees. The term, of Aragonese origin, specifically refers to these formations in that region.
• Glacier lake: Natural water body that is born by the recoil of a glacier, filling a depression carved by ice; The ibones are a specific type of glacier lakes located in high mountain, as in the Pyrenees.
• Reservoir: The reservoir is an artificial lake created by the partial or total closure of the riverbed, usually by means of a dam, for water supply, electricity generation or irrigation.

If you want to read more articles similar to Ibones: what are, characteristics, how they are formed and where they are, we recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.