What is the deepest body of freshwater in the world?
Situated in south-east Siberia, the 3.15-million-ha Lake Baikal is the oldest (25 million years) and deepest (1,700 m) lake in the world. It contains 20% of the world's total unfrozen freshwater reserve.
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Other lakes are so big that they are called seas. The Caspian Sea, in Europe and Asia, is the world's largest lake, with an area of more than 370,000 square kilometers (143,000 square miles). Lakes also vary greatly in depth. The world's deepest lake is Lake Baikal, in Russia.
Situated in south-east Siberia, the 3.15-million-ha Lake Baikal is the oldest (25 million years) and deepest (1,700 m) lake in the world. It contains 20% of the world's total unfrozen freshwater reserve.
Not only is Lake Baikal safe to swim in, but it also boasts some of the purest water in the world. The only drawback is the temperature - even during the warmer months, a dip in the lake is pretty invigorating.
Situated in south-east Siberia, the 3.15-million-ha Lake Baikal is the oldest (25 million years) and deepest (1,700 m) lake in the world. It contains 20% of the world's total unfrozen freshwater reserve.
Both amphipods and flatworms inhabit the numerous methane and oil seeps, where nutrient-rich waters feed various microorganisms, which in turn feed amphipods, which in turn feed bottom-dwelling fish called sculpins. At least six species of sculpin in Lake Baikal dwell below 1,000 meters.
The largest species is the Siberian sturgeon, which sometimes measures more than 6 1/2 feet (2 meters) long. The only mammal is the Baikal seal. The first hydrothermal vents, or hot-water springs, ever discovered in a freshwater lake were found at the bottom of Lake Baikal in 1990.
The world's deepest ancient lake, Lake Baikal in Russia, has a diverse endemic fauna, including Baikal seals Pusa sibirica, the apex predator of the lake and the only pinniped species inhabiting exclusively freshwater systems.
The first humans to explore the bottom of Lake Baikal wasn't until 2008, and not much research has commenced since then. So, truthfully, we still don't know what lurks down there. Rest assured, though, that the lake is flourishing with extraordinary life.
When walking on Lake Baikal in winter, you might feel like you are walking on air. The translucent ice covering all 31,722 square kilometers is a popular and beautiful mode of transportation, from walking trails to ice highways.
Each Epischura is no bigger than a poppyseed, but there are zillions floating through Baikal, which together form an incredibly efficient filtration system. They suck tiny scraps of food out of the lake, and along with them any specks of pollution they encounter. It's the Epischura that keep Baikal's water so pure.
Trekking on Baikal iceThis is an expedition for those who are ready to test their strength. Your main goal is to cross Baikal on foot in its widest part. You can face with the strong winds and blizzards. But if you are not afraid of difficulties and are ready for field conditions, you will enjoy this route!