The deepest fresh lake. What is the deepest and cleanest lake on earth

There is a list of the most deep lakes located in Russia. A lot of interesting information about the deepest of them - Baikal. It is impossible not to pay attention to the deep lakes of the African continent.

The deepest lakes in Russia

Another deep lake- This is Tserik-Kel. Its maximum depth is three hundred and sixty-eight meters. The surface of the reservoir is like a blue mirror, which reflects both clouds and trees. No wonder its second name is Lower Blue Lake. These places are interesting for tourists who want to get medical treatment, as well as for those who prefer extreme diving.

Teletskoye Lake is also one of the deepest in Russia. It is also called Telezhsky or Telessky. The length of this reservoir is relatively small - only seventy-eight km, and the width does not exceed three km. Its maximum depth is about three hundred twenty-five meters. The transparency of the water in the lake reaches fifteen meters. Its banks are steep and steep. Teletskoye Lake is a favorite vacation spot for local residents, and for visitors, including tourists from Europe.

On the 6th place in terms of depth is the Kuril Lake, which is located in the south of Kamchatka. The water in it is fresh. Of the freshwater lakes of Kamchatka, this reservoir is in second place. Its maximum depth is three hundred and sixteen meters. The Ozernaya River originates in the Kuril Lake.

in the Krasnoyarsk Territory freshwater lake, which occupies the seventh position in depth. Its name is Lama. No one knows the exact depth, it is only known that it is definitely more than three hundred meters. Presumably, the maximum depth reaches six hundred, but this data has not been confirmed. The water of this reservoir is clear and very cold. At the very beginning of November, the lake is covered with ice, and its first movements begin only in mid-June. In summer, tourists river tram sail to the recreation centers located on the banks of the Lama to be able to admire the beauty of the surroundings and live away from civilization.

The 8th position among deep Russian lakes is occupied by Ladoga lake. The relief of its bottom is characterized by significant differences. In some places its depth is only fifteen meters, the maximum depth is two hundred and thirty-three meters. Ladoga is constantly replenished due to the fact that thirty-five rivers flow into it, but only one river flows out - this is the Neva.

The deep lake Noyon-Khol is the largest of the chain of lakes Ii-Khem, located in the Republic of Tuva. The greatest depth of this lake is two hundred and twenty-five meters. The Many-Khol Lake completes the top ten deepest lakes in Russia. It, like Noyon-Khol, belongs to the Sayan Lakes. These lakes are spread among the hills covered with centuries-old taiga. The greatest depth of Many-Khol does not exceed one hundred and eighty meters. The lakes are rich in fish, which makes them particularly attractive for fishing tourism. It is known that all the Sayan lakes glacial origin.

deep lakes in africa

Taganika is much deeper than Malawi. Its maximum depth is more than twice that of Malawi. This deepest reservoir was discovered quite recently - only in 1858, and this happened quite by accident during the search for the source of the Nile. The Lukuga River flows out of the lake.

Second deepest lake in the world

Once formed, the lake never dried up. It is considered a long-lived lake. The aquatic fauna that developed in the Tertiary period still lives in its waters. Today, these ancient species have become endemic.

Due to its considerable depth, there are also violent storms, and a noticeable wave of water, which strongly resembles a marine environment.

The deepest lake in the world - Baikal

This is not only the deepest lake in the world, but also one of the oldest. On average, the depth of the reservoir is more than seven hundred meters. The maximum depth is one thousand six hundred thirty-seven meters. The age of this lake is still debated. According to scientists, it is at least twenty-five million years old. It is believed that he is about thirty-five million.

This body of water is nineteen percent of the total fresh water planets. Interestingly, there is as much water in Baikal as there is in all five Great Lakes. It's amazing that thanks to perfect clear water, stones lying at a depth of forty meters can be seen from its surface.

For this, we used the Canadian deep-sea vehicle Price. You can read more about the deepest lake in Russia.
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9. Crater Lake

With a colorful volcanic past, Crater Lake is located in Oregon's Crater Lake National Park. It is a place of immeasurable beauty, surrounded by cliffs 600 meters high, with two small islands. Crater is a breathtaking open sea, a real laboratory for photographers. It is the deepest lake in the United States, with a maximum depth of 594 meters and the most clean water V North America(in terms of the absence of contaminants). The lake is fed by the melting of winter snow. Crater was formed 7,700 years ago after strong eruption, but legends can tell much more about him. indian tribe Klamath speaks of a violent war between Llao, the spirit underworld who lived in Mount Mazama and Skello - in spirit upper world. Llao fell in love with Loch, the daughter of the Indian chief Klamath, but was rejected and decided to punish people with the curse of fire. Skello came to help and after a long fight, he managed to defeat Llao, whom he imprisoned in the depths of Mount Mazama. Finally, he covered the hole with a magnificent lake.

8. Great Slave Lake

The Great Slave Lake covers an area of ​​11,000 sq. miles of the Northwest Territories of Canada and reaches 615 meters deep, making it the deepest lake in North America. Due to low temperatures in the area for eight months of the year, the lake is almost always partially frozen, and during the winter the ice is so strong that trucks and trailers drive over it. Although there is no physical evidence yet, rumor has it that an unidentified large creature lives in the Great Slave Lake. Many speak of a large hump in the water, usually mistaken for a rock until it sinks back into the depths of the sea, or of an alligator-like monster with a pointed head. One Roman Catholic priest even saw a large creature with the head of a dragon that came out onto the shores of the lake. The creature was subsequently named Slavey.

7. Lake Issyk Kul

In the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, in northern mountains Tien Shan, Issyk-Kul is located - a lake with salt water, on the site of which a very developed metropolis was located 2,500 years ago. The average water depth is 304 meters, while the deepest deep point drops to 668 meters. According to legend, during pre-Islamic times, the king of the local ruler had the ears of a donkey. He managed to hide them, while killing all his hairdressers in order not to reveal the secret. One day, one of the barbers ran away and revealed a secret that caused the water to rise and flood the kingdom. Indeed, archaeological finds have indicated the presence of an advanced ancient civilization on the site where Issyk-Kul Lake is currently located. It is one of the deepest lakes in the world.

6 Lake Malawi

Also known as Lake Nyasa, Lake Malawi is the most south lake in the East African Rift Valley system located between Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. At 706 meters deep, it is the second deepest lake in Africa and thanks to its tropical waters, more species fish than in any other lake on Earth. The researchers studied the sediments of Lake Malawi and found that 100,000 years ago the water level dropped to approximately the current level, turning the land around the lake into a semi-desert and arid habitat. According to some scholars, this may be the reason why early man fled Africa to other parts of the world.

5. Lake San Martin

The lake located in Patagonia is called O'Higgins in Chile and San Martin in Argentina. It is the deepest lake in the Americas with a maximum depth of 835 meters (measured at the O'Higgins Glacier). The lake is very irregular and consists of eight well-defined arms with milky blue water percolating through the stony rock. The lake is named after the South American heroes José de San Martin from Argentina and Bernardo O'Higgins from Chile, who fought for the liberation of the country.

4. Lake Vostok

Of the 140 subglacial lakes on Earth, Vostok is the largest and deepest, with a maximum depth of 899 meters. Located under the Russian station Vostok, 3962 meters below the surface of the central Antarctic ice sheet, is the most unexplored lake on Earth. British and Russian scientists discovered it only in 1996. average temperature water in Lake Vostok is -3 °C. But despite the negative temperature, the lake is in a liquid state, due to the high pressure from the weight of the ice.
The scientists also found that the icy core could be over 420,000 years old. This means that the lake closed over 500,000 years ago. So far, there is no evidence of life in Lake Vostok. Despite this, if any species live in the lake, they will most likely develop traits to survive in the oxygen-rich environment of this deep lake.

3. Caspian Sea

Between southern regions Russian Federation and northern Iran is the largest closed body of water on Earth. The Caspian Sea is a salt water lake (salinity approximately 1.2%) that is landlocked due to continental drift 5.5 million years ago. A remnant of the ancient Tethys Ocean (just like the Black, or Mediterranean Sea), the Caspian Sea is the third deepest lake in the world, at 1,025 meters deep. The fauna in the Caspian basin is very rich: many sturgeons, Caspian white fish, Caspian roach, Caspian bream and many rare species of salmon. The Caspian Sea is very rich in energy resources, including oil and gas deposits discovered since the 10th century.

2. Tanganyika

Divided between Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (45%), Tanzania (41%) and Zambia, Tanganyika is the deepest freshwater lake in Africa and the second deepest in the world with a maximum depth of 1,470 meters. The lake was accidentally discovered in 1858 by two British explorers, Richard Burton and John Speke, in their search for the source of the Nile. There are numerous stories about cold-blooded serial killer named Gustav on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. It is a 6 meter long crocodile that weighed 600 kilograms and was responsible for killing hundreds of people.

The deepest lake - Baikal

Also known as the “blue eye of Siberia”, Lake Baikal is located in southern Siberia on the Russian-Mongolian border. Known as the deepest lake in the world with a maximum depth of 1636 meters, Baikal contains more water than all the Great Lakes in general. Lake Baikal is a large ecosystem, with over 1,700 species of flora and fauna, two-thirds of which are found only here. Completely surrounded steep mountains and dense forests, the lake was formed approximately 25-30 million years ago, making it one of the oldest lakes in geological history. This huge body of water also has its own legend: a giant animal, its own Loch Ness monster Baikal. No one can say for sure if this story is true, but the monster of Baikal exists in the minds of people and haunts their thoughts.

Deep lakes are found on all continents. The border zone of Argentina and Chile is especially rich in such reservoirs, given the area of ​​the countries, they will be among the leaders. As for the origin of deep-sea lakes, there is a complete variety: glacial, volcanic, tectonic. Approximately the same picture for temperature regimes.

But at reservoirs with great depth often there are differences from shallow ones. Some have atypical mineral composition or inhabitants you won't find anywhere else. Wealth in fish is typical for most of the representatives of the list, although there are exceptions. The tourism industry is also not developed everywhere, but the potential is there and visible to the naked eye.

The deepest lakes on earth

List, photo with titles and short description

Baikal (1642 m)

This is the deepest lake in the world. Also the largest reservoir fresh water not only in Russia, but throughout the world. Angara flows out of it, and many rivers flow into it. The distribution area of ​​many species of animals and plants is limited. There are many natural monuments in the district: Cape Ludar, Ushkany Islands, Chersky Peak, etc. In winter, the surface is almost completely covered with a thick layer of ice. Although the lake is protected, there are environmental problems.

Tanganyika (1470 m)

Is the longest of freshwater lakes, with an area of ​​32,900 km². It is located in Central Africa, while it belongs to four countries at once. The hot climate affects changes in water levels in different times of the year. When the inflowing rivers partially dry up, the lake follows suit. There are special problems with the ecology in the north of the lake, as there was a dumping of waste from enterprises, and fishing was put on stream.

East (1200 m)

Location features - the lake is located in Antarctica - could not but affect the characteristics. There is no larger (15,790 km²) of subglacial lakes in the world. At the same time, the water warms up to + 10 ° C due to geothermal sources. A Russian research station of the same name is based in the immediate vicinity. The study of microorganisms living in the local waters has not yet been completed.

Caspian Sea (1025 m)

It falls into the zone of control of five states, including Russia. Economic activity, associated with the use of the water area of ​​​​the lake, which has an area of ​​​​371,000 km², is diverse: there are oil deposits, fisheries are being conducted, there are ports and places for recreation on the coast. Is . In terms of tourism, the reliance is on nearby mineral springs, popular and mud treatment. However, there are infrastructure problems.

San Martin (836 m)

located in South America, the lake has an area of ​​1058 km². Particularly noteworthy is the shape of the reservoir: it is divided into wide, uneven arms. The specificity of the name is connected with this: those parts of the processes that belong to Chile have a different name for the locals - O'Higgins. The lake is fed by small streams flowing into it, as well as the larger Mayer.

Nyasa (706 m)

Also referred to as Malawi, it covers an area of ​​29,600 km². It belongs to three East African countries, which makes it difficult to agree on the environmental protection of the territory. It is elongated in shape, has practically no sharp bends. Used for fishing, but coastal zone sparsely populated. The area is picturesque, as there are different types relief, many types rare plants and fauna representatives.

Issyk-Kul (702 m)

It is located in Kyrgyzstan and has an area of ​​6236 km². It is drainless, fed by 80 tributaries. 4 picturesque bays are used for crafts, tourism and as ports. Travelers are attracted in many ways by the combination of the spirit of climate types: mountain and sea. There are places for camping, as well as full-fledged resort areas. beach season short, from mid-June to late August.

Big Slave (614 m)

A feature of the Canadian lake, which has an area of ​​28,568 km², is an ice crust that covers the surface for 8 months. The thickness of the cover allows you to use the reservoir in winter as a full-fledged road for trucks. The vegetation on the opposite coasts is different: in the west - dense forests, and in the east - tundra. Mines are operating in the district and diamonds are being searched for.

Crater (594 m)

Located in the United States on the territory of the same name national park. The area is 53.2 km², the shape is rounded, to which the reservoir owes its volcanic origin. A local landmark is the "Lake Old Man" - a log that has been floating in the lake in an upright position for a hundred years. Its safety is ensured by low temperatures. Hydrothermal activity persists, so eruptions are still possible.

Matana (590 m)

The Indonesian lake with an area of ​​164.1 km² is of tectonic origin. Its shores are rich in nickel ore deposits. This caused a number of controversies: the reservoir is an important source drinking water for the region, and the development of deposits has led to pollution. The composition of water at depth is unique: the oxygen content tends to zero, but iron compounds prevail over other elements.

Buenos Aires (586 m)

Located on the borders of Argentina and Chile. It occupies an area of ​​1850 km² and is of glacial origin. At the end of the 19th century, the course of one of the tributaries was artificially changed, which affected the water level in the lake, albeit slightly. The western and eastern parts of the reservoir are very different in appearance and vegetation. One of the attractions is the marble grottoes.

Hornindalsvatnet (514 m)

Norwegian Lake with an area of ​​50.42 km². There is a contradiction between the official data regarding the depth, and those indicators that were obtained when laying the cable along the bottom of the reservoir. The telephone company announced that the lowest point of the lake is 612 m from its surface. In the middle of summer, a mass marathon is held along the coast. It is considered the cleanest of the lakes in Scandinavia.

Quesnel (506 m)

It is located in Canada, has a glacial origin and an area of ​​266 km². The shape is oblong, there are three clearly marked sleeves. The researchers measured that the water in the lake is completely renewed in 10 years. Popular tourist destination: someone comes for picturesque views, someone for fishing, for example, for rainbow trout. Small piers have been built along the banks, and water transport runs regularly.

Sarez (505 m)

It is located on the territory of Tajikistan and covers an area of ​​80 km². Formed due to the blockage of the channel and basin mountain river Bartang. The water level fluctuates. In theory, it is dangerous for settlements downstream, as it can, in the event of a breakthrough of natural barriers, bring down huge volumes of water on them. There are many species of flowering plants on the banks, but there are few fish in the reservoir.

Toba (505 m)

Formed in the caldera of the volcano of the same name. Belongs to Indonesia and has an area of ​​1103 km². The tourism industry is based on the interest of travelers in the ethnic culture of these places, especially in the Batak people. Another area popular with foreigners is ecotourism. The influx of guests occurs once a year: in May, when the weather becomes warmest, and in Chinese New Year in February.

Tahoe (501 m)

Located in the USA, is one of the popular places recreation, especially for domestic tourism. Area - 495 km², coastline - 114 km. There is one island - Fannett. It is small in size, but rises above the water, due to its mountainous shape and is clearly visible from many points. There are dense forests around, and there are few settlements on the coast itself, although they are oriented, among other things, to visitors.

Lago Argentino (500 m)

The area of ​​​​the Argentine freshwater lake is 1415 km². The largest in the country, mapped in the 80s of the XVIII century. Belongs to the territory of the national park. Food is provided by melting glaciers and rivers that carry melt water to the lake. Tourists come here for fishing, and also because of the unusual species found nowhere else in South America.

Kivu (480 m)

It is located in Central Africa and belongs to two countries at once. Refers to the list of the Great African Lakes. Connected to Lake Tanganyika via the Ruzizi River. The area is 2700 km². The most famous story associated with the reservoir occurred in 1948. A volcano nearby became active for a long time, and the water in the Kivu boiled, and all the fish boiled.

Salsvannet (464 m)

There are discrepancies about the depth of this Norwegian lake. Maybe, official sources she is somewhat understated. The area is 44.77 km². At depth, there is practically no oxygen in the water. In addition, there is higher salinity, which affects the density of water. The reasons for such deviations from the norm can be hidden both in the origin of the reservoir and in factors that have not yet been discovered. Research continues to this day.

Nahuel Huapi (464 m)

The name is translated from the local dialect as "island of the jaguar". It belongs to the territory of Argentina and covers an area of ​​530 km². The shape is elongated, there are branch sleeves. The largest of the lakes in the local national park. Tourism is widely developed. There are many hotels in the cities along the coast. Visitors are attracted by ethnic groups, history, and ecological features. There are several types of travel programs.

Hauroko (462 m)

Located in New Zealand, the southernmost in the country, belongs to the territory of the national park. The area is 63 km². The shape is very curved and resembles the letter "S". There are many camping sites nearby, but there are no hotels or shops. There is no mass tourism, although the lake is often used as a transit point for long journeys.

Puerredon (460 m)

It has another name - Cochrane. It belongs to the territory of Chile and Argentina and has an area of ​​270 km². Near - southern Andes, the reservoir is fed by the glacier. The coasts are predominantly high, mountainous or hilly. There are small patches of land on the surface of the water, but they are too small to be called islands. The vegetation is often low, there are many fish, although there is no permanent fishing.

Tinshö (460 m)

It is located in Norway and has an area of ​​51.43 km². The reservoir was used by the Nazis during the occupation of the country. Local waters with atypical composition were to be used for nuclear research. Already in the 90s, one of their sunken ferries was discovered. In addition, previously unknown species of fish were found. The study of the features of the lake continues to this day.

Adams Lake (457 m)

Located in Canada and belongs to the glacial type of education. The area is approximately 137 km². The lake is elongated and narrow. bends coastline quite smooth and consistently tapering to extreme points. Popular as an object of domestic tourism: locals come here to fish. The main commercial fish species is rainbow trout.

Chelan (453 m)

Located in the United States, from the language of the Indians its name is translated as " deep water". The area is 135 km², the largest in the state of Washington. The river of the same name flows out, and the Stkhekin flows into it. It belongs to the Northern Cascades National Park. A boarding house was built on the coast, working all year round. There are several settlements, including the city of the same name in the southeast.

Van (451 m)

The endorheic Turkish lake with salt water is located on an area of ​​​​3574 km². It is the largest soda lake in the world. The name can be translated as "inhabited place". Surrounded by several mountain systems which affects climate and air saturation. There are several islands in the reservoir. On some, Armenian sights have been preserved: monasteries, churches, and so on.

Pozo (450 m)

The Indonesian lake has an area of ​​323.2 km². The lake attracts tourists with its nature. Particularly noteworthy are the species of shrimp and snails that live here. Also, local coastal settlements are ready to offer guests a lot of interesting experiences: national color is adjacent to developed infrastructure and service. There is sandy beaches and hotels for almost every budget.

Fagnano (449 m)

Refers to the possessions of Chile and Argentina. It bears the name of a Catholic missionary who visited these parts at the end of the 19th century. The largest (593 km²) of the lakes of Tierra del Fuego. It is the source of the Asopardo River. Included on the Argentine side of the national park. Jeep trips are popular among tourists. Local operators offer this service to everyone.

Big Bear (446 m)

Location - the Arctic Circle, belongs to Canada and covers an area of ​​​​31,153 km². There is a uranium deposit, but it is abandoned due to the unprofitability of mining. The lake is navigable, but only a small part of the year, since most of the time the surface of the reservoir is covered with a crust of ice. There is only one settlement on the coast, which once served as a fort.

Manapouri (444 m)

Belongs to the territory of the New Zealand National Park. The area is 142 km², the origin is glacial. The name translates as "lake of the sad heart." The locals have several more names for it, including: Roto-au and Moturau. There are more than 30 islands in the water area of ​​the reservoir, they are mostly covered with forest. Europeans brought red deer here more than a hundred years ago.

No one will be surprised if we say that the deepest lake on the planet is Baikal. But TravelAsk has prepared others for you. Interesting Facts about this miracle of nature.

Pearl of Russia

Baikal is in the south Eastern Siberia and delimits the Irkutsk region and Buryatia. The lake is unique in many of its parameters.

Its maximum depth is 1642 meters. And if we take into account that the lake is located at an altitude of 456 meters above sea level, then the lowest point of the basin lies 1186 meters below sea level. And this means that this is not only the deepest sea on Earth, but also one of the deepest continental depressions.

The lake impresses with its size: it is 636 kilometers long and 80 kilometers wide. Baikal is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Legend of the Wise Father

336 rivers and streams flow into Baikal, and only one Angara river flows out of it.

There is a legend that the disobedient daughter of Angara wanted to run away from the strict father of Baikal to the young Yenisei. And then Baikal got angry, broke off a piece from the rock, threw it after his daughter, that stone fell on the throat of Angara. This rock was called by people the Shaman stone and for many centuries they carried gifts to it. Now the Angara River is blocked by a dam, and only the top of the stone is visible from the water.

Crystal clear water

A few years ago, Baikal was considered the cleanest lake in the world. And then they opened New Zealand, and the palm passed to him. But Baikal has not become less unique.

The transparency of its water is about 40 meters.

It is slightly mineralized, almost distilled water. Moreover, the lake is so clean that you can drink from it. It is believed that copepods purify the water - Baikal epishura, which live only in Baikal. They, of course, also end up in the Angara and Bratsk reservoir with the waters of a disobedient daughter. But their main habitat is Baikal.

The crustacean is very small, not exceeding 1.5 millimeters, but surprisingly hardworking. In a year, he manages to filter all Baikal water at least 10 times.

The lake contains 90% of the fresh water reserves of Russia and 20% of the whole world.

Ancient reservoir and home of rare animals

Baikal - ancient lake, it is approximately 25-35 million years old. Indeed, the Father of all rivers and lakes. And interesting feature: usually lakes live no more than 15 thousand years, and then they become swampy or silted up. And Baikal has no hint of silt.

Animal world Baikal is also unique. Most of animal organisms living in the lake are endemic, that is, they are found only in this reservoir. These include the Baikal omul, the world's only freshwater seal, viviparous golomyanka fish. In total, more than two thousand species and subspecies of animals are found in the lake.

Such a diversity of the animal world is explained by the fact that Baikal water is very rich in oxygen.

Fact #1. Baikal needs a month to freeze completely: the lake begins to freeze over in December, and this process ends in January.

Fact #2. There are over 10 theories about the origin of the lake's name. The lake was called Lamu (from Evenki “sea”), on Chinese maps Baikal is called Baihe, which means “northern sea”.

Fact #3. Baikal is a seismically active area where earthquakes occur regularly. Usually they are small: 1-2 points. But there are also strong ones. So, in 1862 there was a 10-magnitude earthquake, which swept under water a plot of land of 200 square kilometers. And six more Buryat uluses, in which 1,300 people lived. Proval Bay was formed at this place.

Fact #4. Storms often occur on Baikal and high waves appear.

Fact #5. Famous director James Cameron, President of Russia, dived into Baikal Vladimir Putin, President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, former Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin.

Fact #6. On the shores of Lake Baikal, cedar grows, which is about 550 years old.

Fact #7. An asteroid was named after Baikal. It was opened by Crimeans in 1976.

Fact #8. If the water in Baikal disappeared, then in order to fill the lake again, the world's rivers would need to flow for a whole year.

Fact #9. In the Irkutsk region and Buryatia there is a holiday - Seal Day. It was established due to the fact that poachers attack small seal cubs - pups.

Fact #10. There is a cave near Baikal where shamanic rituals were held in ancient times.

Fact #12. The length of the coastline of the lake is the same as the distance from Turkey to Moscow.

Fact #13. Deposits at the bottom of Lake Baikal with a thickness of about 6 thousand meters: this means that highest mountains Earth (more than 7 thousand meters).

Fact #14. The remains of dinosaurs, ancient crocodiles and water turtles have been found not far from Lake Baikal.

Fact #15. In winter, one can observe the inexplicable on Baikal: the so-called “hills” are formed on the ice cover - these are cone-shaped ice hills up to 6 meters high.

They are hollow inside and resemble tents.

The wonders of nature are relentless, especially when it comes to lakes and reservoirs. In their vicinity you can really see the most spectacular natural phenomena. The lakes below are known for their picturesque places hidden in the bosom of nature.

The untouched purity of their waters, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna, can surprise any person. Some of these lakes are popular destinations for tourists, while others receive a rare influx of travelers due to their remoteness.

We bring to your attention an overview of the 7 deepest lakes in the world.

1. Lake Baikal

Area and depth - its area is 31,722 km (12,248 sq mi) and its maximum depth: 1,642 m (5,387 ft).

Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and the oldest freshwater lake (formed 20-25 million years ago). It was listed world heritage UNESCO in 1996 - having the largest amount of fresh water: one fifth of all fresh water in the world is located on Lake Baikal. It is also considered one of the brightest lakes - on a sunny day you can see crystal clean water up to 40 meters deep.

The second name of the lake is “Pearl of Siberia”. Baikal is rich in biological varieties - about 1000 plants and 2500 animal species are represented in the region of this incredible lake. One of the brightest representatives of the fauna is the famous Baikal seal, which is one of the three species of freshwater seals in the world.

Lake Baikal is located in remote location and is annually covered with ice for five months. Therefore, it boasts a large influx of tourists.

2. Lake Tanganyika

Area and depth - the surface area of ​​the lake is 32,900 km (12,700 sq mi), and average depth 1,470 m (4,820 ft).

Lake Tanganyika is the longest freshwater lake and the second deepest lake in the world. The waters of the lake flow into Atlantic Ocean, and the main source of water is the Congo River.

Tanganyika was first discovered by British explorers back in 1858, when they were conducting an expedition in search of the source of the Nile. In the local language, it translates as " more lake spread like a plain.

Tanganyika is famous for its rich aquatic life, numbering over 250 various kinds fish, as well as a huge number of invertebrate species such as mollusks and crustaceans. Most of the population in this region (about 1 million people) survives only thanks to fish caught from the lake.

Tanganyika annually receives thousands of tourists who kayak, dive and even organize sport fishing competitions in its waters.

3. Lake Vostok

Area and depth - its area is 12,500 km 2 (4,830 sq mi) and its maximum depth is from 510 m (1,700 ft) to 900 m (3,000 ft).

The mainland Antarctica has 400 subglacial lakes and Vostok is the largest of them. Interestingly, the water in the lake is under ice, which is about 2 miles thick.

Lake Vostok got its name from the Russian research station of the same name. By the way, what is noteworthy, at this station was registered the most low temperature in the world, which was -89.2 degrees Celsius, and at that moment the lake was directly below it.

4. Lake San Martin / O'Higgins

Area and depth – The area of ​​the lake is about 1,013 km, the length of the coastline is 525 km, and the maximum depth is 836 meters (2,742 feet).

This lake is known as O'Higgins in Chile and San Martin in Argentina. It has a very unusual shape, consisting of eight branches. It is mainly fed by the waters of the Mayera River, and flows into the Pacific Ocean through the Pasqua River.

Lake San Martin / O'Higgins is the deepest in South America and has a unique milky light blue water color. It is quite inaccessible and is located in one of the least populated areas continent. Until the 1990s, except for some rare species of animals and plants, no one else lived on Lake San Martin / O'Higgins. Only recently people began to settle near its waters.

5. Lake Malawi

Area and depth – the area of ​​the lake is 29,600 km 2 (11,400 square miles), the maximum depth is 706 m (2316 feet).

Lake Malawi is the ninth largest lake in the world and the second deepest in Africa. This is a meromictic lake, that is, a lake that has layers of water that do not mix with each other.

It was first discovered by Portuguese traders in 1846. Lake Malawi is home to a huge variety of fish, which are the source of food for most of the inhabitants of the regions adjacent to it. Malawi is also called the "Lake of Stars" because of the light from the lanterns of thousands of fishermen, which resemble stars from above.

Every year, many tourists gather on the shores of Lake Malawi to enjoy all nature. water beauty. They go kayaking or water skiing are engaged in scuba diving. Also very popular in this region sailing.

6. Lake Issyk-Kul

Area and depth - The surface area of ​​the lake is 6236 square kilometers (2408 square miles) and its maximum depth is 702 meters (2192 feet).

Issyk-Kul is the tenth largest lake in the world. It is considered endorheic (with an indoor pool) and is filled with salt water. Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyz is translated as "warm lake": this lake never freezes, although it is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

The Issyk-Kul State Reserve was established in 1948 to protect unique natural landscapes and waterfowl on the lake. The mountains around the lake are home to rare animal species. The shores of Lake Issyk-Kul are known for their sanatoriums and rest houses.

7. Lake Quesnel

Area and depth - The surface area of ​​the lake is 266 square kilometers, and the maximum depth is 610 meters.
Quesnel is glacial lake(fjord). This lake is considered the deepest in the world among all glacial lakes. It is located in the heart of the Caribou Mountains.

Quesnel boasts an impressive ecosystem. Tourists and visitors are very fond of this lake because of the stunning landscapes that open up around it, as well as the unique tranquility that winds around the ancient cedar forest.

The waters of Lake Quesnel are home to more fish species, including rainbow trout, chinook salmon, char and many others. Tourists who visit these places have the opportunity to kayak, retire to the beaches along the coastline or go hiking in the surrounding mountains.