The name of the deepest lake in the world. Baikal is the deepest lake on Earth and the cleanest

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-water lakes, there is a complete variety: glacial, volcanic, tectonic. Roughly the same picture in terms of temperature conditions.

But reservoirs with great depths often have differences from shallow ones. Some have an atypical mineral composition or inhabitants that are not found anywhere else. Richness 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 there is potential and is visible to the naked eye.

The deepest lakes on earth

1. Baikal

It is the deepest lake in the world. Also, the largest fresh water reservoir not only in Russia, but on the entire planet. The 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 area: 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.

Depth - 1642 meters.

2. Tanganyika

It is the longest freshwater lake 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 the changes in the water level at different times of the year. When the rivers flowing in partially dry up, the lake follows suit. Special problems with the environment in the north of the lake, since there was a discharge of waste from enterprises, and the fishery was put on stream.

The depth is 1470 meters.


3. East

Features of the location - the lake is located in Antarctica - could not but affect the characteristics. There is no larger (15,790 km²) subglacial lakes in the world. At the same time, the water is warmed 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 the microorganisms that live in these waters is not yet complete.

The depth is 1200 meters.


4. Caspian Sea

It falls into the zone of control of five states, including Russia. The economic activity associated with the use of the lake, which has an area of ​​371,000 km ², is diverse: there are oil deposits, fishery is being conducted, there are ports and places for recreation on the coast. Is an . In terms of tourism, it relies on the nearby mineral springs, mud therapy is also popular. However, there are infrastructure problems.

The depth is 1025 meters.


5. San Martin

Located in South America, the lake has an area of ​​1058 km². The shape of the reservoir is especially remarkable: it is divided into wide, uneven sleeves. The specificity of the name is related to this: those parts-processes that belong to Chile have a different name for the locals - O'Higgins. The lake is fed by small rivulets flowing into it, as well as by the larger Mayer.

The depth is 836 meters.


6. Nyasa

Also called 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, practically has no sharp bends. Used for fishing, but the coastal area is sparsely populated. The area is picturesque, as there are different types of relief, many species of rare plants and fauna.

The depth is 706 meters.


7. Issyk-Kul

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

The depth is 702 meters.


8. Great Slave

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 the reservoir to be used as a full-fledged road for trucks in winter. The vegetation on the opposite coasts is different: in the west - dense forests, and in the east - tundra. There are mines and a search for diamonds in the area.

The depth is 614 meters.


9. Crater

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

The depth is 594 meters.


10. Matana

An Indonesian lake with an area of ​​164.1 km² has 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 a depth is unique: the oxygen content tends to zero, but iron compounds prevail over other elements.

The depth is 590 meters.


11. Buenos Aires

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

The depth is 586 meters.


12. Hornindalsvatnet

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 meters from the surface. In the middle of summer, a massive marathon is held along the coast. It is considered the cleanest of the lakes of Scandinavia.

The depth is 514 meters.


13. Quesnel

Located in Canada, has a glacial origin and an area of ​​266 km². The shape is oblong, there are three distinctly marked sleeves. The researchers measured that the water in the lake is completely renewed in 10 years. A popular tourist destination: some come for scenic views, some go fishing, for example, for rainbow trout. Small berths have been built along the banks; water transport runs regularly.

The depth is 506 meters.


14. Sarez

It is located on the territory of Tajikistan and covers an area of ​​80 km². It was formed due to the blockage of the river bed and the basin of the Bartang mountain river. The water level fluctuates. In theory, it is dangerous for settlements downstream, as in the event of a breakthrough of natural barriers, it can 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.

The depth is 505 meters.


15. Toba

Formed in the caldera of the eponymous volcano. Belongs to Indonesia and has an area of ​​1103 km². The tourism industry relies on the interest of travelers in the ethnic culture of these places, especially in the Batak people. Another popular destination for 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.

The depth is 505 meters.


16. Tahoe

Located in the USA, it 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 it rises above the water due to its mountain-like shape and is clearly visible from many points. Around there are dense forests, and on the coast itself there are few settlements, although they are oriented, among other things, to visitors.

Depth - 501 meters.


17. 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 18th century. Refers to the territory of the national park. Food is provided due to the melting of glaciers and rivers that carry melt water to the lake. Tourists come here for fishing and also because of the unusual species not found anywhere else in South America.

The depth is 500 meters.


18. Kivu

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

The depth is 480 meters.


19. Salswannet

There are discrepancies about the depth of this Norwegian lake... Perhaps, official sources underestimate it a little. The area is 44.77 km². At depth, there is practically no oxygen in the water. In addition, the salinity there is higher, which also affects the density of the 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.

Depth - 464 meters.


20. Nahuel Huapi

The name is translated from the local dialect as "jaguar island". 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, ecological features. There are several types of travel programs.

Depth - 464 meters.


21. Hauroko

Located in New Zealand, the southernmost in the country, it belongs to the territory of the national park. Area - 63 km². It is very curved in shape and resembles the letter "S". There are many camping sites nearby, but no hotels or shops. Mass tourism absent, although the lake is often used as a staging post for long journeys.

Depth - 462 meters.


22. Pueirredon

Another name is Cochran. Belongs to the territory of Chile and Argentina and has an area of ​​270 km². Nearby are the southern Andes, the reservoir is powered by the glacier. The shores are mostly high, mountainous or hilly. There are small areas of land on the surface of the water, but they are too small to be called islands. The vegetation is often low, there is a lot of fish, although there is no constant fishery.

The depth is 460 meters.


23. Tinsho

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 an 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.

The depth is 460 meters.


24. Adams Lake

It is located in Canada and belongs to the glacial type of formation. The area is approximately 137 km². The lake is elongated and narrow. Bends coastline rather smooth and consistently tapering to extreme points... Popular as an object of domestic tourism: locals go here to fish. The main commercial fish species is rainbow trout.

The depth is 457 meters.


25. Chelan

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

Depth - 453 meters.


26. Wang

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

Depth - 451 meters.


27. Poso

The Indonesian lake has an area of ​​323.2 km². The lake attracts tourists with its nature. Particularly noteworthy are the shrimp and snail species found here. Also, local coastal settlements are ready to offer guests a lot of interesting experiences: the national flavor is adjacent to the developed infrastructure and services. There is sandy beaches and hotels for almost any wallet.

The depth is 450 meters.


28. Fagnano

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

The depth is 449 meters.


29. Big Bearish

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 for 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.

The depth is 446 meters.


30. Manapouri

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

Depth - 444 meters.


We are glad to welcome all curious users in the vastness of our resource. The topic of our conversation: the deepest lakes in the world. First of all, it is worth noting that about 68 percent of the Earth's fresh water is concentrated in lakes. Moreover, these reservoirs are the habitat of hundreds of thousands of living organisms. At the same time, the calm waters of the lakes are a charge of vivacity and health for a person. By resting on the shores of lakes, we can relax from technogenic stress and have a wonderful time with our loved ones. Well, now let's move on to the ranking of the deepest freshwater bodies on the planet.

TOP 10 Deepest Lakes on Earth

10

590 meters away

The last place in the ranking of the deepest lakes on Earth is occupied by Matano. This is a large body of water located on the territory of the island of Sulawesi (Indonesia). The depth of this lake reaches 590 meters. At the same time, the reservoir is known for the presence of clean water and a rich animal world. Among the unique organisms that live in the Indonesian reservoir, many pearls and nutritious fish should be distinguished. Due to the presence of expensive corals, divers from all over the world visit the lake every year.

594 meters away


This body of water is located in the United States, namely in national park Oretona. It is about very scenic location, which is surrounded by cliffs, spreading above the ground at a height of 600 meters or more. There are two small islands in this reservoir. In addition, there are amazing fish. At the deepest point, an indicator of 594 meters was recorded. This depth is due to melting glaciers. In summer, the water rises strongly. Moreover, it is crystal clear and beneficial for the body.

614 meters away


Another deepest lake on Earth is the Great Slave, located in North America. The area of ​​the reservoir is 28,500 kilometers. And this amazing body of water is located in the northwest of Canada. This is the deepest lake (614 meters) in America. It’s hard to believe, but for almost 8 months the water of such a deep reservoir is frozen in ice. They are located beyond the 60th parallel. However, in summer period of time, a rich marine world reigns in the reservoir, full of rare fish.

668 meters away


Pearl Central Asia- a lake familiar to all of us, the depth of which reaches 668 meters. Located in the north of the Tien Shan mountains. The average depth of the reservoir, which is located in Kyrgyzstan, is 305 meters. It is worth noting that there are many amazing legends regarding of this place... They were probably invented to attract foreign tourists, but this does not prevent them from remaining interesting. According to one of the myths, earlier on the site of this lake there was a huge kingdom. Once the ruler decided to drown the kingdom so that no one would know about his weakness in front of the mermaids.

706 meters away


Another deep lake located in Malawi. In Africa, this is the second largest and deepest lake, which in some areas reaches 706 meters. It should be added that over the past 100,000 years, the depth of this unique reservoir has significantly decreased. Previously, it was 100 meters deeper. Most likely, such changes are due to desertification of local lands. Coastal areas have become less suitable for crop production. Nevertheless, the land adjacent to the lake is fertile to this day. The reservoir itself is rich in minerals and fish. There are always a lot of fishermen and tourists here.

836 meters away


San Martin should also be referred to as the deepest lake on the planet. In America, there is no more amazing freshwater reservoir. And we are talking not only about the depth, but also about the area of ​​the lake. At the deepest point of the reservoir, a mark of 836 meters was recorded. It should be noted that such a figure is registered only in one place. The average depth is only 450 meters. Lake San Martin contains many amazing fish and corals.

900 meters


No one has ever seen the surface of this reservoir with their own eyes. This is due to the presence of a four-layer arctic ice... Nevertheless, modern equipment makes it possible to find out that the maximum depth of the reservoir is 900 meters. At the same time, the maximum temperature reaches only 3 degrees above zero. There is no doubt that this body of water is the cleanest on our planet. This is due, of course, to the presence of glaciers. The lake was first discovered in 1996. Prior to this, the reservoir was sealed with ice 500,000 years ago.

1025 meters away


The top 3 deepest lakes in the world are discovered by the Caspian Sea. The depth is 1025 meters. This is the remnant of the Tethys Sea. The fauna of this reservoir is rich in various types of fish. This is due not only to the area, but also to the salinity of the reservoir. In the waters of the unique lake, there are many representatives of endemic animals, including sturgeon, salmon, white fish and roach. In addition, bream can be found in the depths of the Caspian Sea. Also, the lake is rich in carbon resources.

05/26/2015 at 18:50 · Johnny · 16 240

Top 10 deepest lakes in the world

Lakes are bodies of water that have formed in natural depressions earth surface... Most of them contain fresh water, but there are lakes with salt water. Lakes contain more than 67% of all fresh water on the planet. Many of them are huge and great depth... What are the deepest lakes in the world? We present to you ten of the deepest lakes on our planet.

10. Lake Buenos Aires | 590 m

This body of water is located in South America, in the Andes, on the border of Argentina and Chile. This lake appeared due to the movement of glaciers, which created the basin of the reservoir. The maximum depth of the lake is 590 meters. The reservoir is located at an altitude of 217 meters above sea level. The lake is famous for its beauty and famous marble caves, which thousands of tourists come to see every year. The lake has the purest water and is home to a large number of fish.

9. Lake Matano | 590 m

The deepest lake in Indonesia and one of the most important sources of fresh water in the country. The maximum depth of the reservoir is 590 meters, it is located in the southern part of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The waters of this lake are crystal clear and are home to hundreds of species of fish, plants and other living things. On the shores of the lake there are huge reserves of nickel ore.

The Patea River flows out of Lake Matano and carries its waters to the Pacific Ocean.

8. Crater Lake | 592 m

it the most large lake in the USA... It is of volcanic origin and is located in the national park of the same name, located in the state of Oregon. The maximum depth of Kreiter is 592 meters, it is located in the crater of an extinct volcano and is notable for its incredible beauty. The lake is fed by rivers that originate in mountain glaciers, so the Kreiter water is amazingly clear and transparent. Here is the most pure water in North America.

Local Indians have added a large number of myths and legends about the lake, all of them are beautiful and poetic.

7. Great Slave Lake | 614 m

It is located in the northwestern part of Canada and has an area of ​​over 11 thousand square miles. it deepest lake in North America, its maximum depth is 614 meters. The Great Slave Lake is located in the northern latitudes and is frozen in ice for almost eight months a year. In winter, the ice is so strong that heavy trucks can easily cross it.

There is a legend that a strange creature very much like a dragon lives in this lake. Many witnesses saw him, but science has not yet found evidence of the existence of a mysterious creature. In the middle of the last century, gold reserves were found in the vicinity of the lake. The shores of the lake are very picturesque.

6. Lake Issyk-Kul | 704 m

This is an alpine lake located in Kyrgyzstan. The water in this reservoir is salty, its maximum depth is 704 meters, and the average depth of the lake is more than three hundred meters. Thanks to the salty water, Issyk-Kul does not freeze even in the most severe winters. There are very interesting legends associated with the lake.

According to archaeologists, several millennia ago, there was a very advanced ancient civilization... Not a single river flows out of Issyk-Kul.

5. Lake Malawi (Nyasa) | 706 m

In fifth place among the deepest lakes in the world there is another African reservoir. It also formed at the site of a fault in the earth's crust, and has a maximum depth of 706 meters.

This lake is located on the territory of three African countries: Malawi, Tanzania and Mozambique. Due to the high water temperature, the lake is home to the largest number of fish species on Earth. The fish of Lake Malawi are a favorite in aquariums. Its water is crystal clear and attracts a huge number of diving enthusiasts.

4. Lake San Martin | 836 m

Located on the border of two South American countries: Chile and Argentina. Its maximum depth is 836 meters. it deepest lake not only South, but also North America... Many small rivers flow into Lake San Martin, and the Pasqua River flows out of it, which carries its waters into the Pacific Ocean.

3. Caspian Sea | 1025 m

In third place on our list is the lake, which is called the sea. The Caspian Sea is the largest indoor body of water on our planet. It has salt water and is located between southern borders Russia and the northern part of Iran. The maximum depth of the Caspian Sea is 1025 meters. Its waters also wash the shores of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. More than a hundred rivers flow into the Caspian Sea, the largest of which is the Volga.

The natural world of the reservoir is very rich. Very valuable fish species are found here. A large number of minerals have been explored on the shelf of the Caspian Sea. There is a lot of oil and natural gas here.

2. Lake Tanganyika | 1470 m

This lake is located almost in the center of the African continent and is considered the second deepest lake in the world and the deepest in Africa. It was formed at the site of an ancient break in the earth's crust. The maximum depth of the reservoir is 1470 meters. Tanganyika is located on the territory of four African countries at once: Zambia, Burundi, DR Congo and Tanzania.

This body of water is considered the longest lake in the world, its length is 670 kilometers. The natural world of the lake is very rich and interesting: crocodiles, hippos and a huge number of unique fish are found here. Tanganyika plays a huge role in the economy of all states on whose territory it is located.

1. Lake Baikal | 1642 m

This is the deepest on earth freshwater lake... It is also one of the largest freshwater bodies of water on our planet. Its maximum depth is 1642 meters. The average depth of the lake is over seven hundred meters.

The origin of lake baikal

It was formed at the site of the rupture of the earth's crust (a lot of lakes with great depths have a similar origin).

Baikal is located in the eastern part of Eurasia, not far from the Russian-Mongolian border. This lake has the second largest volume of water and contains 20% of all fresh water that is on our planet.

This lake has a unique ecosystem, there are 1,700 species of plants and animals, most of which are endemic. Thousands of tourists come to Baikal every year - this is a real pearl of Siberia. Locals Baikal is considered a sacred lake. Shamans from all over East Asia... Numerous myths and legends are associated with Baikal.

+ Lake Vostok | 1200 m

We should also mention the unique Lake Vostok, which is located in Antarctica, not far from the Russian polar station of the same name. This lake is covered with almost four kilometers of ice, and its estimated depth is 1200 meters. This amazing reservoir was discovered only in 1996 and so far little is known about it.

Scientists believe that the water temperature in Lake Vostok is -3 ° C, but despite this, the water does not freeze due to the tremendous pressure exerted by the ice. It still remains a mystery whether there is life in this gloomy, under-ice world. Only in 2012, scientists were able to drill through the ice and get to the surface of the lake. These studies can provide a lot new information about what our planet was like hundreds of thousands of years ago.

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On South Eastern Siberia, where Irkutsk region it borders on the Buryat Republic, and is located on Earth - Baikal. Only the average depth of the reservoir is 744 meters, while the maximum is 1642! But this is far from its only advantage and remarkable feature.

Baikal is a unique phenomenon on the planet Earth. This is the largest natural reservoir of the purest fresh water, which makes up one fifth of all reserves in the world and nine tenths of Russia. on Earth, the volume of water exceeds all North American combined. It stores 23 thousand cubic meters If water suddenly disappeared from Baikal in an incomprehensible way, it would take rivers from all over our planet a whole year to fill it up again.

Baikal is transparent as glass, and a white disk 20 centimeters in diameter can be seen at a depth of more than 50 meters! Three hundred rivers flow into the deepest lake on Earth, and only one flows out - the majestic Angara.

Mountain ranges have bordered the hollow in which Baikal is located. Primorsky and Baikalsky encircle its northwestern part, Barguzinsky - the northeastern, and from the southeast - the Khamar-Daban ridge. The lake is famous for its islands. The largest among them is Olkhon - the heart of Lake Baikal.

Not to see the deepest lake on Earth, whose age is about 25 million years, means not to allow a miracle to happen in life. Two-thirds vegetable and endemic. seal, you will not find anywhere else! And there are more clear days on Lake Baikal than in the resort town of Sochi. Beaches and lagoons sand dunes and foggy swamps, taiga and steppes, endless meadows and snow-white mountain ranges- this coastal world is unique!

The Peschanaya Bay has the warmest Baikal water. It is located on the western shore of the lake between Cape Kharginsky and Srednye Khomuty. Only here you can see majestic pines and larch trees on frightening, unaccustomed "stilts". Due to the fact that the sandy soil is constantly blown out from under the trees, their roots are bare.

Whitefish, sturgeon, lenok, grayling, taimen ... List of fish names that are found in sacred lake, for fishermen sounds like music for musicians.

Baikal is beautiful at any time of the year. Winter gave him a unique range of northern colors. The sun's rays, reflecting from the ice surface and refracting, shimmer with a rainbow spectrum. The thickness of the ice shell, which binds the lake in cold months, reaches a meter or more, although because of the pebbles visible at the bottom of Lake Baikal, it seems thin. But this is an illusion! The ice is very strong and can withstand a train. With the beginning of spring, the ice breaks open and breaks with a roar, cracks incessantly, and closer to summer, the wind and waves dump transparent blocks onto the shore, forming landscapes of unsurpassed beauty.

This is what it is, the deepest lake on Earth! It is not surprising that UNESCO did not ignore Lake Baikal. The lake is listed World heritage... More than three hundred thousand tourists, scientists and researchers from all over the world come annually to see and learn the extraordinary miracle created by nature - Baikal!

Olkhon Island on Baikal (Jason Rogers / flickr.com) Lake Tanganyika, Central Africa Lake Vostok, Antarctica Caspian Sea, Baku Lake San Martin (Oʹ Higgins) Lake Malawi - the deepest in Africa (706 meters) Lake Matano, 590 meters deep

As you know, 70% of the earth's surface is water. Therefore, it would probably be more logical to call our planet the Planet of Water.

The Earth's water resources are represented by the following categories: oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, small rivers, ponds, springs and springs - we are all accustomed to this sequence of dimensional gradation since childhood. Meanwhile, in each category, there may be such an example that, in terms of its characteristics, will surpass the category in front.

Some lake storms are in no way inferior to sea waves, and the depth of others is several times greater than the greatness of the depths of the sea. It is with these water giants that you should get acquainted in more detail. So, let me present a ranking of the 10 deepest lakes in the world.

Let's start with the most famous and deepest lake in the world - Baikal.

Baikal is a unique reservoir. It is the largest natural reservoir of fresh water. Also Baikal is considered the most ancient lake on our planet, according to scientists, its age is about 15,000 years.

The reservoir strikes with the uniqueness of flora and fauna, the species diversity of which is 1,700 specimens, many of which are endemic.

The lake is a national treasure Russian Federation and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Baikal is rightfully called the sea by the people. Its depth in some areas reaches 1,642 meters.

Olkhon Island on Lake Baikal (Jason Rogers / flickr.com) Olkhon Island, Baikal (Jason Rogers / flickr.com) Olkhon Island (Jason Rogers / flickr.com) Jason Rogers / flickr.com Sergey Gabdurakhmanov / flickr.com Martin Lopatka / flickr .com Konstantin Malanchev / flickr.com Lake Baikal (Konstantin Malanchev / flickr.com) Sergey Gabdurakhmanov / flickr.com Khoboy Cape, Olkhon (Konstantin Malanchev / flickr.com) Konstantin Malanchev / flickr.com White sturgeon (Heaven Ice Day / flickr.com) Heaven Ice Day / flickr.com LA638 / flickr.com miquitos / flickr.com Cape Burkhan (Shaman's rock), Olkhon. (Konstantin Malanchev / flickr.com) Baikal seal (Sergey Gabdurakhmanov / flickr.com) Shamanka rock. View from Olkhon Island. Baikal (Tanya Legkobyt / flickr.com) Olkhon Island, Baikal (alexey_nitsa / flickr.com) Sergey Gabdurakhmanov / flickr.com Klas Š. / flickr.com Klas Š. / flickr.com Konstantin Malanchev / flickr.com Sergey Gabdurakhmanov / flickr.com Baikal seal (Sergey Gabdurakhmanov / flickr.com) Sergey Gabdurakhmanov / flickr.com Konstantin Malanchev / flickr.com Klas Š. / flickr.com Konstantin Malanchev / flickr.com Konstantin Malanchev / flickr.com Olkhon, Baikal (Konstantin Malanchev / flickr.com) Oleg Gant / flickr.com Sunset in Siberia, North Baikal, Russia (Yuri Samoilov / flickr.com) Sergey Gabdurakhmanov / flickr.com Yuri Samoilov / flickr.com Vera & Jean-Christophe / flickr.com Délirante bestiole / flickr.com Vladislav Bezrukov / flickr.com fennU2 / flickr.com -5m / flickr.com Vladislav Bezrukov / flickr.com Voyages Lambert / flickr.com Vera & Jean-Christophe / flickr.com Sergey Gabdurakhmanov / flickr.com Kyle Taylor / flickr.com Seal on Lake Baikal (Sergey Gabdurakhmanov / flickr.com) Thomas Depenbusch / flickr.com Sergey Gabdurakhmanov / flickr.com Kyle Taylor / flickr.com Sergey Gabdurakhmanov / flickr.com seseg_h / flickr.com Richard Thomas / flickr.com Daniel Beilinson / flickr.com NASA's Earth Observatory / flickr.com Clay Gilliland / flickr.com Aleksandr Zykov / flickr.com Aleksandr Zykov / flickr.com Aleksand r Zykov / flickr.com

TOP-2: Lake Tanganyika (1470 meters)

Another lake giant is located on the distant African continent - this is Lake Tanganyika. Its waters are 1,470 m deep. It is called the second deepest lake in the world.

Tanganyika is also unique in that it is the only lake in the world whose shores are divided by four countries - Tanzania, Congo, Burgundy and Zambia. It is from the waters of Tanganyika that the longest and deepest river in the world, the Nile, begins its source.

Lake Tanganyika, Central Africa

TOP-3: Lake Vostok in the ice of Antarctica (1200 meters)

Are you accustomed to the fact that a lake is necessarily an open reservoir with fresh water? It turns out that it happens otherwise.

"Vostok" is the same lake that is located in the ice of Antarctica. The existence of the reservoir became known relatively recently, in 1996, and it is still full of mysteries.

Currently, active work is underway to study the "deep-sea northerner", perhaps it will help to open a picture of the past of our planet.

Lake Vostok, Antarctica

The reservoir got its name from the Russian polar station "Vostok", near which it was discovered.

TOP-4: Caspian Sea (1025 meters)

The 4th place and the most controversial lake in our rating is the Caspian Sea. We are all accustomed to the name Caspian Sea, however, this is not the case. It refers to the seas very conditionally: the Caspian is located on the basis of the earth's crust of oceanic origin, hence its second name - the Caspian Sea.

The reservoir is located between two continents, European and Asian, and its water resources belong to five states - Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

Caspian Sea, Baku

The deepest point of the lake-sea is 1025 meters. The waters of the lake will be filled by 130 freshwater rivers, but the chemical composition of the lake is saturated with salts. The Caspian has no effluents.

TOP-5: San Martin is the deepest lake in the South American continent

The reservoir is a natural dividing line of two South American states - Argentina and Chile.

The lake has another name - OʹHiggins, as the Chileans called him, giving the name of their national hero who fought for independence South America... By the way, the Argentine name of the lake - San Martin - is also given by the name of the hero-liberator.

Lake San Martin (OʹHiggins)

San Martin is famous for its unusual milky blue hue. A similar color is given by particles of stone sediments flowing into the lake along with the melted waters of glaciers.

TOP-6: Malawi - the deepest lake in Africa (706 meters)

Although the black continent is considered the driest, it is here that another lake "giant" is located, the second deepest lake in Africa - Malawi.

Lake resources belong to three states - Mozambique, Malawi and Tanzania. Malawi is a champion in fish species diversity. At present, the reservoir is rapidly becoming shallower, the main reasons for the loss of hydro resources are the natural process of evaporation and the Shire River, which takes its source from here.

Lake Malawi - the deepest in Africa (706 meters) Children play on the shores of Lake Malawi Fisherman on the water surface of Malawi

The depth of Malawi is 706 meters and the lake is ranked 6th.

TOP-7: Issyk-Kul - the deepest lake in Central Asia (702 meters)

In seventh place is the deepest lake in Central Asia - Issyk-Kul, whose depth is 702 m. It is located in the north of the Tien Shan mountain of Kyrgyzstan.

Issyk-Kul gained worldwide fame thanks to beautiful legends... According to legend, it is here, in the depths of the water, that the ancient Armenian church rests, and along the shores of the lake, the warriors of Tamerlane once laid their mounds.

Since 2006 to mountain lake scientific interest also intensified in connection with the remains of an ancient civilization found at its bottom.

Its name, and in the Kyrgyz language it literally means "hot lake", the reservoir received due to the fact that its salty waters do not freeze even in the most severe frosts.

TOP-8: Great Slave Lake in Canada (614 meters)

The eighth deepest lake in the world and a body of water with the most durable ice is the Great Slave Lake. Geographically it is located in Canada.

The depth of the Great Slave Lake is 614 meters and it ranks 8th in the ranking.

For almost eight months a year, the waters of the lake are like a giant ice rink - its ice is so strong that it can withstand the weight of several multi-ton trucks.