Laguna de la Caldera, Laguna de Río Seco, Laguna Larga and Laguna-embalse de las Yeguas.

The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range located in the southern part of Spain, primarily within the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is one of the most extensive mountain ranges in Spain and covers a significant portion of the province of Granada, although it but it also extends into the neighboring province of Almería. The highest peak in the Sierra Nevada is Mulhacén, which stands at 3,479 meters (11,414 feet) above sea level, making it the highest mountain in mainland Spain. This mountain range is known for its stunning landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, and unique flora and fauna. But also, Sierra Nevada is known for hosting numerous high mountain lakes, some of which are called "lagunas" in Spanish. The most remarkable feature of these lakes is that, due to their low latitude, they are among the highest temporarily thawed glacial lakes on the continent. Most high lakes are oligotrophic (Chl a <1 μg L−1), highly transparent (>10% of photosynthetically active radiation [PAR, 400–700 nm] penetrate to maximum depth) and with low dissolved organic carbon (<1 mg C L−1). These pristine lakes are often nestled in scenic alpine settings and contribute to the region's natural beauty. Some of the most prominent high mountain lakes in Sierra Nevada are the ones included in this study: Laguna de la Caldera, Laguna de Río Seco, Laguna Larga and Laguna-embalse de las Yeguas.