The highest mountain lake in the world. Alpine lakes in different parts of the world. Mountain lakes of the world: overview, description and interesting facts
To the question Please help me write a description of the East African Plateau given by the author wolverine the best answer is East African Plateau
stretches between the Ethiopian highlands in the north and north. end of the lake Nyasa in the south at 1750 km, between the Congo depression in the west and the coastal plains indian ocean on the east - 1400 km (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi). Altitudes 500–1500 m, in the west of the Rwenzori mountains (Margherita peak, 5109 m), Virunga massif. To the south are the flat-topped Mitumba Mountains (3305 m). On SW. plateau cones of volcanoes Elgon (4221 m), Kenya (5199 m), Meru (4566 m), Kilimanjaro (5895 m); in the center is the Crater Highlands with the Ngorongoro Caldera. A large uplift of the ancient African platform, broken by a system of faults, united under the name of the East African Rift System. Composed of ancient crystalline and young volcanic rocks. High seismicity and modern volcanism are characteristic. Deposits of coal, fluorite, polymetallic ores and rare metals; placers precious stones, the Mwadui diamondiferous kimberlite pipe. On the plateau originate the most major rivers Africa: Nile, Congo, Zambezi. Series large lakes(Victoria, Edward, Tanganyika, Rudolf, etc.); modern glaciers on the volcanoes of Kilimanjaro, Kenya and in the Rwenzori massif. The climate is equatorial and subequatorial, seasonally humid, hot. Savanna woodlands and shrubs predominate. Wet in the mountains rainforests, subalpine and alpine meadows. National parks Virunga, Serengeti and a number of others. Investigated by Europeans in the second half of the XIX century. (D. -H. Speke, R. -F. Burton, D. -O. Grant, D. Livingston, G. -M. Stanley, etc.).
Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Yekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of Acad. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006.
East African Plateau
in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi. Length from north to south approx. 1750 km, lat. OK. 1400 km. It is located between the Ethiopian highlands and sowing. the edge of the lake Nyasa. In the west and south it is bounded by mountains and depressions, in the east by the coastal plains of the Indian Ocean. Broken by a system of faults that make up part of the East African Rift. Most of the plateau is made up of crystalline and metamorphic rocks of the Precambrian, there are covers of Quaternary lavas and tuffs. High seismicity and modern volcanism are characteristic. Deposits of coal, polymetallic ores, precious and ornamental stones, diamonds. high plains from cf. high from 500 to 1500 m, over which rise remnant mountains. To the west of the Rwenzori mountains with Margherita peak (5109 m), Virunga with more than 400 small and 8 large volcanoes. Of these, Nyamlagira (3058 m) and Nyiragongo (3470 m) are active. To the south - the flat-topped Mitumba mountains (3305 m). On S.-E. cones of extinct volcanoes Elgon (4221 m) and Kenya (5199 m), and in the center - the Crater Highlands with the giant Ngorongoro Caldera (reserve of fauna and flora). The largest volcanic massif active volcano Meru (4566 m) and main peak Africa - extinct volcano Kilimanjaro (5895 m). A number of large and small lakes (Victoria, Edward, Tanganyika, Rudolph, etc.). Modern glaciers on the volcanoes Kilimanjaro and Kenya and in the Rwenzori massif. The climate is equatorial and subequatorial, seasonally humid, hot. The annual precipitation is up to 2000-3000 mm and more, in the deep valleys it is dry. The largest rivers in Africa - the Nile, the Congo, the Zambezi - originate on the plateau. Subequatorial forests, savanna woodlands and shrubs predominate. In the mountains there are subalpine and alpine meadows. National parks Virunga, Serengeti, many smaller ones; numerous reserves.
Geography. Modern illustrated encyclopedia. - M.: Rosman. Under the editorship of prof. A.P. Gorkina. 2006.
Resting on the shore of the lake, which is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and clean air, is the perfect solution for spending time on weekends. Some of these natural attractions are unique because their waters are located high in the mountains. One of these places can be safely called Panch Pokhari, Gurudongmar and other lakes, about which you will learn a lot of interesting facts from this article.
This lake is located in the Argentine Atacama Desert in the crater of the volcano of the same name and is considered the highest source of water in the world (6390 m above sea level). The size of Ojos del Salado is small: its diameter is only 100 m, and its depth is 10 m.
The volcano is considered extinct, due to which brave tourists with a decent level of physical fitness regularly come to the lake at its foot. The first people who conquered the majestic mountain were climbers from Poland in 1937. Also, travelers have the opportunity to see the lake with their own eyes during a helicopter ride. In addition, this reservoir is also interesting because sacrificial altars of the ancient Incas were found near it.
Panch Pohari
One of the highest mountain lakes in the world is located in Nepal and consists of five the purest reservoirs. Panch Pokhari is located in the Makalu-Barun nature reserve, surrounded by mountains with snow-capped peaks. The height of the reservoir is 5,494 meters above sea level.
Unlike Ojos del Salado, Panch Pohari can be visited by everyone, regardless of physical skills, but in the company of a guide. During tourist route travelers will have time not only to admire the landscapes of untouched mountainous areas but also to integrate into the culture and life of the local population.
Lake Laguna Verde
This is the larger of the two reservoirs located next to the Licancabur volcano. You can see it and another lake, Laguna Blanca, on the territory of the Bolivian E. Avaroa park at an altitude of 4300 m. There is a narrow strait between the reservoirs.
One of the lakes got its name from its waters The milky hue of Laguna Blanca is due to the high concentration of minerals. The color changes to emerald during the wind, which raises copper deposits from the bottom of the lake. The phrase "Laguna Verde" in Spanish means "Green Lagoon". The waters of the lake contain a large number of calcium, copper and lead, so it always has a bright turquoise hue.
As for the tour, experienced travelers it is advised to go to the lakes in April or summer, but no later than September. In this case, you need to grab warm clothes, because in Bolivian the wind can fly in even in the middle of a hot summer.
Gurudongmar
The intricate name of the Indian lake was given by the Buddhist preacher Guru Dongmar, who lived in the 8th century. locals consider this reservoir sacred. Gurudongmar is located in the state of Sikkim at an altitude of 5148 m. Every year, several thousand pilgrims visit the shrine, having previously made a difficult journey. People believe in the miraculous power of the waters, which can heal even deadly diseases.
Most of the tourists come to one of the highest mountain lakes in the world from May to October. Even when the temperature drops to -35 degrees Celsius in the middle of winter, the reservoir does not completely freeze. So far, science has not been able to explain this phenomenon. Locals are sure that Gurudongmar does not freeze because it medicinal waters can be useful to suffering people at any time of the year.
Titicaca
Without a doubt, this lake is one of the most famous in the world. The Titicaca reservoir was formed at an altitude of 3821 m above sea level, on the Altiplano plateau. The lake is navigable. Translated from the language of the Quechua tribe, the name means "stone puma". The fact is that from a height, the reservoir with its outlines resembles the silhouette of this animal.
Modern scientists claim that one of the highest mountain lakes in the world was formed from the ocean. In the process of tectonic changes, a mountain was formed, which literally raised part of the water to such great height. Also at the bottom of Titicaca, archaeologists discovered an old stone wall, fragments of sculptures and a huge terrace.
Hello
This lake is the highest in Europe. Allo is located on the slope of the Pela mountain range (2220 m) in the territory french reserve Mercantour. The area of the reservoir has reached a record high for European lakes and is 60 thousand square meters. m. Trout and char, as well as commercial fish of rare species live in the waters of Allo. The formation was due to the descent big glacier, because of which the water in it is crystal clear and very cold.
In the territory nature reserve several comfortable cottages were built, in which it is possible to stay and extend the rest in such picturesque place. As for the way to one of the highest mountain lakes in the world, it is relatively simple. Most of it can be overcome by car.
Travelers have to make walking tour through the village of Veyjar and the forest of Kluit. It is among the numerous centuries-old pines that Allo lurks, the waters of which have a rich blue color. An unforgettable walk includes a visit to the chapel of the Virgin Mary, which is located on the shore of the lake. In order to explore the surroundings of Allo in detail, one day will be enough for a tourist.
8 the most beautiful reservoirs located far from civilization
Alpine
lakes of the world
8 beautiful reservoirs,
distant
from civilization
Having visited any lake near Moscow in the height of summer, you want to run away from it without looking back and never again meet people on your way. Fortunately, there are many lakes in the world where you will not meet mountains of garbage and drunken bathers near barbecues, but the path to these amazing places will turn into an exciting journey through at least beautiful places. In our selection - 8 of the most beautiful alpine lakes on the planet, swimming in which is akin to a sacred rite.
Ojos del Salado: Argentina, 6390 m
This source fresh water located in one of the craters of the highest volcano in the world, most of which is located in Argentina. In order to see this miracle of nature with their eyes, climbers will have to climb to a height of 6390 meters above sea level. The maximum diameter of Ojos is only 100 meters, but the spectacle is worth it.
Gurudongmar: India, 5148 m
The second largest and one of the highest lakes in India is lost at an altitude of five thousand meters, in the northeast of the country, in the state of Sikkim. IN winter period, when the ice shackles the surface of the lake, there is a small non-freezing area. According to the legend of local Buddhists, one who takes a bath in this font will receive the blessing of the main patron of Tibet - Guru Padmasambhava, after whom the lake was named.
Manasarovar: China, 4557 m
Like sacred mountain Kailash, this lake is a place of pilgrimage for millions of people from all over the world. But first of all, Manasarovar is revered by Hindus and Buddhists. Pilgrims seeking to perform the ritual of washing and drinking holy water will have to climb to a height of 4557 meters along the Tibetan Plateau. The lake is spread over an area of 520 square kilometers, and several hot springs are located near its shores.
Sarez Lake: Tajikistan, 3263m
It is sad that because of the jokes about people from Central Asia many began to forget (or ceased to be interested) extraordinary nature these places. Looking at it is fantastic beautiful lake, surrounded by the peaks of the Pamirs, I want to exclaim something in the spirit of: “What do we even know about Tajikistan ?!”. It is noteworthy that Lake Sarez was formed as a result of an earthquake in 1911, and the village that was under water gave it its name.
Kaindy: Kazakhstan, 2000 m
Of course, in Kazakhstan, rich in relief, in search of lakes, you can climb much higher and find larger and more transparent reservoirs there, but Kaindy is Kaindy. As you remember, pine trunks sticking out of the icy water attract not only divers, but also wakeboarders like Nikita Martyanov.
Kaindy. Photo: redbull.com, kinopoisk.ru
Murudzhinskie lakes: Russia, 2800 m
Perhaps these lakes would be lost in the general flow of other equally beautiful lakes of the Caucasus, if not for the resemblance to a human face, clearly visible from a certain angle. In place of the eyes - the two most popular lakes, Blue and Black, separated by a ridge-nose. By the way, in the vicinity of the lakes, wild goats - tours, no longer surprised by the surrounding beauties, roam.
Crater: USA, 1883 m
You could see this lake on an American 25-cent coin - or live, if you've been to Oregon. It is there that the lake with an area of 53 square kilometers fills the caldera ancient volcano Mazama. But popularity fabulous place brought not a destroyed crater and not even a huge one for North America depth of 594 meters, and small island forever stuck in this blue mirror.
Grüner See, Austria 776m
Another proof that even in the summer in the Alps there is something to entertain yourself and what to see. In the cold months, when snowboarders and skiers come to Austria, this lake, only a couple of meters deep, is bypassed, but everything changes with the snowmelt. From May to June, Grüner See turns into an emerald, inside of which there is a section of the park with benches, bridges and scuba divers, who are not afraid of the water temperature of 5-6 degrees.
Arguing about beauty is a rather pointless exercise, so if someone has a photo of your favorite alpine lake lying around in the glove compartment of a car or next to their workplace, add it to the comments on our VK or Facebook pages.
Lakes are natural reservoirs, the bowls of which were not filled as a result of interaction with the oceans. Often they are formed as a result of melting glaciers, earthquakes or as a result of volcanic eruptions. Scientists classify them, focusing on different characteristics. For example, flat and mountain lakes, fresh and salty, warm and cold. In addition, there are natural reservoirs on our planet that are dangerous for all living beings. And also those that attract millions of tourists to their shores with ancient secrets hidden in the water column. Today we will talk about the mountain lakes of the world, which have interested us in one or another of their features.
"Eyes of the Planet"
Many lakes, according to scientists, are located in places of power. Therefore, local residents are often the bearers of legends and traditions that have been accumulated for centuries in the memory of the peoples living near the lakes. They consider some bodies of water sacred and never approach their shores. There are especially many such legends about the mountain lakes of Russia, located in the Altai. This region itself is a very strong emitter of earth energy. Locals claim that this is the birthplace of spirits, and reservoirs are portals through which they penetrate into our world.
However, not only in our country there are unique lakes attracting the attention of tourists and scientists from all over the world. We will begin our article with an overview of mountain lakes, spread in the most different corners planets.
Issyk-Kul
There is a reservoir in Kyrgyzstan, which has long received the proud title of the largest mountain lake. Issyk-Kul is an amazingly beautiful lake located in the Tien Shan basin. Locals consider it sacred and are ready to tell an endless number of legends about its origin. All of them are so fantastic that it is quite difficult to find even a grain of truth in them. However, before the arrival of the Russians on these quiet shores, the Kirghiz practically did not approach the lake without any special reason. They didn't fish on its surface and didn't even know what it was like to rest near a mountain lake.
The reservoir is quite deep, the maximum recorded depth is seven hundred meters. The length of the lake exceeds one hundred and seventy-eight kilometers, and the water temperature often reaches a comfortable twenty-six degrees. This noticeably distinguishes Issyk-Kul from other mountain lakes, which remain very cold at any time of the year. But the water of this amazing emerald pond does not freeze even in severe cold.
Local residents told researchers that once, thousands of years ago, on the site of the lake there was a beautiful and rich city, the population of which lived in peace and prosperity. Once got them terrible disaster: the mountains shuddered, opened up, and water gushed from the bowels of the earth into the emerald valley, flooding everything around. Only a few young girls managed to escape, who went for brushwood in the mountains before the earthquake. When they returned, they saw a serene lake surface in the place of their houses. The beauties cried so bitterly that the water acquired a salty taste, and it remained salty for many millennia.
Some legends say that somewhere on the shore of Issyk-Kul, powerful Tamerlane bequeathed to bury himself. His warriors complied with the request of their commander, and time razed his mound to the ground so that no one would desecrate the grave of the great conqueror.
Be that as it may, but the legend of the flooded city has a basis. Scientists studying the lake eleven years ago discovered the remains of some ancient civilization at its bottom. According to preliminary estimates, the age of the buildings is two and a half thousand years. So, perhaps, our contemporaries have yet to reveal the secret of the mountain lake.
Plitvice lakes
These reservoirs cannot be accurately called a single lake, but once it was exactly that. With time huge lake turned into an interconnected system of sixteen small natural bowls filled with water. They are cascaded to each other. beautiful waterfalls, along which special suspension bridges from wood. If you wish, you can bypass almost all one hundred waterfalls, because it is simply impossible to choose the most beautiful of them. It is interesting that very thin and fragile dams formed from organic matter separate the lakes from each other. The point is that in this place In Croatia, the climate contributes to the fact that fallen trees, grass and leaf remains do not just rot, but turn into limestone deposits that grow at a rate of one centimeter per year.
"Sleeping Dragon": the most dangerous lake in Central Asia
This beautiful reservoir in Tajikistan is one of the youngest mountain lakes in the world and at the same time the most terrible. And the very history of the formation of the turquoise Lake Sarez is connected with tragic events.
A hundred years ago, mountain villages were located on the site of the reservoir, but a powerful earthquake in the Pamirs caused an unprecedented landslide that formed a dam more than five hundred meters high, blocking the mountain river Mughrab. As a result, water rushed into the valley, flooding two villages. However, many local residents managed to escape, because the bowl was filled rather slowly.
Today the lake is located at an altitude of three thousand two hundred and sixty-three meters above sea level. Its depth is five hundred and five meters, and the volume of water exceeds sixteen billion cubic meters. For a hundred years of its existence, Sarez Lake has gradually broken through the dam that formed it, according to the latest data, there are already fifty-seven springs in it.
It is not for nothing that the locals call this body of water the "slumbering dragon", because any serious new earthquake in the Pamirs can cause the collapse of the dam, the consequences of which will be terrifying for the whole of Central Asia. Under the rushing, sweeping away everything in its path, the flow of water, mud and stones will fall into the territories of several states, where about seven million people now live.
Grüner See
Reviews of a mountain lake in Austria, posted on the Internet, make experienced divers go to the Alps in order to see this unusual place with their own eyes. Grüner See is located at an altitude of seven hundred and seventy-six meters above sea level. Snowboarders and fans often come here in winter. skiing, but at this time the lake does not attract the attention of tourists, because its depth does not exceed two meters.
With the advent of spring, melting snow feeds the lake, which spills over many kilometers, gradually absorbing beautiful park with all buildings. This is what attracts scuba divers who dive into the emerald waters of the Grüner See to see sculptures, bridges and benches that have become part of a mountain reservoir for a short time.
Kaindy
This place is absolutely unique, lovers know it extreme species sports and photographers who often come to Kazakhstan. The lake is located at an altitude of two thousand meters and it does not differ in water transparency, depth or unusual relief. His main feature is the abundance of submerged trees rising from the depths. Depending on the lighting and the play of shadows, the lake appears to tourists in a bizarre and sometimes creepy way.
lake of death
IN Ural mountains Lake Karachay is located, which is now deadly for anyone on its shores. The fact is that its waters have become a burial ground radioactive waste since the middle of the last century. So many tons are buried here, no one knows, but five minutes on the shore of a reservoir is enough to get a lethal dose of radiation. It is known that about sixty years ago, drought contributed to the transfer of contaminated dust over long distances. This caused a real ecological catastrophe, which affected about five hundred thousand people.
Mountain Spirit Lake
This place is located in Altai and the most terrible local legends are associated with it, which, however, only provoke tourists and adventurers. The lake is located at an altitude of two and a half thousand meters and is part of the Kara-Oyuk valley.
Local residents say that this reservoir has always been hidden from human eyes, because it was here that the souls of those who had done a lot of harm to others during their lives were attracted. The lake lies surrounded by lead rocks, from which it smells of grave cold. Surprisingly, animals do not live near the reservoir and birds do not even fly, and on some slopes turned towards the water, grass almost does not grow. Locals claim that everyone who once found this lost lake was punished by spirits. These people returned to their villages and only had time to tell about the strange leaden fog hovering over the lake. Every now and then dark shadows came out of it, which they called spirits. Usually after that, the narrators died in terrible agony. The Altaians themselves claim that if the spirits do not favor the guests, then it becomes difficult for people to breathe after five minutes of being on the shore. Some experienced dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
Scientists were able to prove that there are large deposits of mercury in the area. On certain days, vapors rise above the surface of the earth and concentrate above the water. In this fog, the concentration of mercury is so high that a person can literally get a lethal dose of poisoning in just five to ten minutes. But on other days, being by the lake is quite safe, but it’s impossible to find out in advance.
Seven lakes on the Iolgo Ridge
For those who dream of a vacation in unusual place, we advise you to consider the Karakol lakes in the Altai Mountains. These seven reservoirs are located on different height on a kind of natural staircase. At the same time, the distance between the lakes does not exceed eight hundred meters. The highest body of water is at an altitude of two thousand meters and is small in size. As it decreases, the area of the lake increases.
There are very few animals in the area of Karakol lakes and practically no fish. That's why they come here for scenic views abounding in cedar forests, meadows and waterfalls. You can stop for the night at the reservoir in a tent camp or at a recreation center near the fifth lake.
teletskoye lake
This freshwater body of water is second in volume only to famous lake Baikal. Teletskoye Lake is considered one of the deepest and most unique in the entire territory of the Altai Mountains. Absolutely all tourists strive to come here, because this pearl is simply incredible beauty.
Teletskoye Lake has practically no shores in the usual sense of the word, it is completely surrounded mountain range, giving it an unusual impressive flavor. You can’t swim in the pond, its water never warms up above eighteen degrees. But tourists can enjoy relic cedar forests and even dive to the bottom of the lake. Diving in Lately has become a very popular pastime. Despite the fact that in cold water there are practically no inhabitants at depth, scuba divers still manage to see rare fish and find the petrified remains of huge trees.
Camping on the lake shore is prohibited. Therefore, the base "Mountain Lake" hospitably opens its doors for all tourists ( Mountain Altai). Here you can stay in comfortable cabins. different type. At the mountain lake camp site (Altai), travelers can choose from two comfortable cottages, eleven houses with a glass wall, and two buildings designed for several dozen residents. Also, the camp site has all the benefits of civilization, allowing you to have a great vacation on the shores of Lake Teletskoye.
A few words instead of a conclusion
As you can see, our planet is rich in amazing and beautiful places that you want to see with your own eyes. In addition, the lakes that we talked about today are an unknown source of information for scientists. After all, it is not known what other secrets their transparent inhospitable waters hide.
Lakes are rightfully included in the list of the most beautiful and mysterious natural objects. Many legends, mysteries and beliefs are associated with them. They can lie in forests, steppes and plains, hide high, high in the mountains. The highest mountain lake in the world is Ojos del Salado, followed by Panch Pohari, Gurudongmar, etc. Today we will talk about interesting facts related to these and other reservoirs.
Lake Ojos del Salado is located in the Atacama Desert, where Chile borders Argentina, at an altitude of 6390 meters. It occupies a crater in the east of the volcano of the same name, rising to 6891 meters. The highest mountain lake in the world is not too big: its width is 100 meters, depth is up to 10 meters.
The volcano is considered inactive, and excursion routes are laid along its slopes, but only a few decide to get to the lake crater. The first conquerors of the summit were Polish climbers who climbed majestic mountain in 1937
Tourists who do not want to go to the lake on foot can admire its charm during a helicopter ride. They are given a chance to see not only the reservoir, but also the ancient Inca altars found on the slopes of the mountain.
A group of five cleanest reservoirs is located in Nepal at a level of 5494 meters. It is located on the territory of the Makalu-Barun reserve, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. The path to the sacred lakes is not too difficult, even unprepared travelers can overcome it, but only accompanied by a guide.
In the region of the lake system, the air is strongly discharged, and it is difficult for an unaccustomed person to breathe. Nevertheless, there are many villages built in the midst of stunning landscapes of wild nature.
Gurudongmar
The lake is located in the Indian state of Sikkim at an altitude of 5148 meters. It feeds on snow and glacier waters. Its intricate name comes from the name of the Buddhist monk Guru Dongmar, who lived here in the 18th century. The sacred lake is visited annually by several thousand pilgrims who believe that healing waters able to save even from deadly ailments.
Part of the reservoir remains unfrozen even in severe frosts, at a temperature of -35 0 C. Local residents explain this phenomenon by the fact that the lake is ready to provide its healing waters at any time of the year.
One of the highest lakes on the planet is located in the Himalayas at 4919 meters. over it southwest coast overhangs the snow-covered slope of the Tilicho peak with a height of more than 2 thousand meters. The length of the elongated reservoir is 4 km, the width is 1 km. Small icebergs often float along the glass surface.
In winter and spring, the reservoir is covered with ice, and the coast under the peak becomes avalanche-prone. The lake lies away from excursion routes, however it is often visited by supporters mountain travel. On south coast reservoir, a rest house is installed, open during the tourist season.
The Chilean lake, climbing to a height of 4570 meters, is located in the Lauca National Park. Occupies the mouth of an inactive volcano. The area is 21.5 km 2, the depth is 33 m. Translated from the Aymar dialects, Chungara means “stone moss”.
The reservoir is filled with turquoise water with a deep greenish tint. Its shores are covered with flowering yareta plant resembling moss. The lake was formed 8 thousand years ago, after the eruption of the Parinacota volcano, which blocked the passages for mountain rivers.
The lake valley has an impressive flora/fauna. Here you can find:
- Vicuña is a protected artiodactyl animal;
- A yareta glowing with delicate greenery, the diameter of which reaches 1 meter, and the height of the umbrella-shaped hat is 50 cm;
- Viscacha - a relative of the chinchilla;
- beautiful pink flamingos etc.
Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca
A pair of beautiful lakes, stretching at an altitude of about 4300 meters, is considered one of the most wonderful places in Bolivia. Many visitors to the E. Avaroa reserve seek to see them. Lakes are distinguished by a mass of unique features.
The water in Laguna Blanca contains a high percentage of minerals and casts white. The bottom of Laguna Verde is covered with oxidized copper, which rises when strong wind, giving the pond an emerald green hue.
Brother lakes are located at the foot of Likankabur volcano. And not so long ago, scientists discovered here another small lake which remains unnamed for now.
Natural reservoir on the Afghan-Tajik border. Geographically located in state reserve"Zorkul" at an altitude of 4126 meters. Area - 38.9 sq. km. The name translates as "Big Lake".
The eastern and western parts of Zorkul are bordered by a belt of moraines up to 4 km wide. It is believed that once the lake was at a higher level. Proof of this is the terrace, protruding at a height of 6 meters. The level of the reservoir decreased in the 19th century due to the acceleration of the erosive activity of the Pamir River.
The drainless lake in the northern Pamir region lies in a flat mountain pit at a level of 3914 meters. Length -33 km, width - 24 km. Surrounded by rocky lifeless ridges. It occupies an area of 380 km2.
The lake has a small island, dividing it into 2 parts: the eastern one with a depth of 22.5 meters and the large western one with a depth of up to 236 meters. The pond is painted bright blue. The water here is bitter-salty. In winter, it freezes, and the lake is covered with a layer of ice more than a meter thick. In summer, the water temperature is about 12 0 C.
Karakul is an unusual body of water:
- Most of its coast lies on an ice cushion. Scientists are still arguing about the reasons for its appearance: whether it is a site of ancient glaciers, or a remnant ice sheet, which filled the basin millions of years ago, or a modern neoplasm;
- The size of the lake is constantly changing due to the melting of coastal ice;
- Only 20 mm of precipitation per year falls into the lake pit;
- In the area of the reservoir, a site of ancient hunters dating back to the 8th millennium BC was discovered.
One of the most famous alpine lakes in the world is located in the Andes at an altitude of 3812 meters. It is the largest body of water on the mainland in terms of the amount of fresh water and the largest navigable lake on the planet.
The name comes from two words: "titi" (puma) and "kaka" (rock). From one of the Indian dialects, their combination is translated as "mountain puma". But once, before the settlement of these places, Titicaca was called "Lake Pukin". In those days, it was located on the lands of the Pukin people, who today have ceased to exist.
Local beliefs say that the bottom of Titicaca is covered with many treasures that were left here by representatives ancient civilizations. 41 islands are scattered on the territory of the lake, and some of them are densely populated.
The reservoir is fed from melt water and precipitation. Water from mountain glaciers enters the rivers, the path of which lies to the lake. The largest of them is Ramis. Only one small river Desaguadero flows out of the reservoir.
Located in an alpine valley at an altitude of 2200 meters. It was formed more than 10 thousand years ago after the glacier disappeared. It is filled with exceptionally pure, but ice-cold water.
There is no tourist life on the banks of Allo, but this does not prevent him from taking pride of place in the list of the most desirable areas for hiking. Travelers are attracted here by bewitching local beauties: emerald valleys, harsh peaks and unforgettable virgin nature of the Alps.
