{"id":8209,"date":"2023-11-08T06:50:17","date_gmt":"2023-11-08T05:50:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lakebeyond.com\/?p=8209"},"modified":"2023-11-08T06:50:17","modified_gmt":"2023-11-08T05:50:17","slug":"is-lake-baikal-the-deepest-lake-in-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lakebeyond.com\/is-lake-baikal-the-deepest-lake-in-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Lake Baikal The Deepest Lake In The World"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Historic Perspective<\/h2>\n

Since ancient times Lake Baikal has been known as the deepest lake in the world. It is a natural lake located in Southern Siberia, the Republic of Buryatia, in Russia. First mentions of Lake Baikal could be traced to the ancient Greek texts dating back to the 4th century BC. Initially called as the “Northern Sea,” the lake was believed to have been formed over 2 to 25 million years ago. It is reportedly the oldest and the deepest lake in the world and is also the largest freshwater lake by volume. With its length of 636 km and its maximum depth of 1637 m, it contains more water than all five of North America’s Great Lakes combined.<\/p>\n

Physical Characteristics<\/h2>\n

Lake Baikal is frozen over for about five months every year during which time the water temperature remains below zero. The temperature of its surface water during summer averages at 6.7ᵒC, but there is a vertical temperature variation of up to 8ᵒC under the surface. The incredibly clean water in the lake supports rich and highly diverse type of flora and fauna. Every liter of the lake’s rich freshwater contains between 1.2 and 2.2 billion bacteria and one milligram of organic matter. Baikal is still an undiscovered lake that is relatively unchanged from its earlier days. Many researchers have found various deep-water fish, sponges and mollusks in its depths.<\/p>\n

Environmental Impact<\/h2>\n

The lake has had a great environmental impact on the planet. The freshness of the lake provides a natural sanctuary for migratory animals and its waters flow out to provide fresh water to the surrounding people and agriculture. The area is also known to be free of any major natural hazards such as seismic activity and flooding. There are several rivers and streams flowing into the lake, all of which are used for fishing and recreational activities. It is a UNESCO Heritage Site, along with its surrounding mountains, waterfalls and caves. The lake has also been referred to as “The Pearl of Siberia” and it is one of the largest, most beautiful and fascinating natural wonders in the world.<\/p>\n

Geological Contribution<\/h2>\n

The lake holds a prominent place in geologists from various part of the world. It is amongst the oldest lakes with unstable tectonic formation. It has been classified as an abyssal lake and due to its big size and great depth it is often referred to as “The Blue Heart of Siberia.” The natural environment of Lake Baikal and its geological features provide geologists and scientists with a great opportunity to study the evolution of the earth over time. <\/p>\n

Contribution to Science<\/h2>\n