The wonders of nature are never-ending, especially when it comes to lakes and reservoirs. In their surroundings you can truly see the most spectacular natural phenomena. The lakes below are known for their picturesque locations hidden in the lap of nature.

The pristine purity of their waters, as well as the wide variety of flora and fauna, can surprise anyone. Some of these lakes are favorite tourist destinations, while others receive a sparse influx of travelers due to their remote location.

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

1. Lake Baikal

Location - located in the southern part of Siberia, between the Irkutsk region in the northwest and the Republic of Buryatia in the southeast of Russia.

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 volume of fresh water: one fifth of all fresh water in the world is located in Lake Baikal. It is also considered one of the most vibrant lakes - on a sunny day you can see crystal clear water up to 40 meters deep.

The second name of the lake is “Pearl of Siberia”. Baikal is rich in biological diversity - 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 a remote location and is covered with ice for five months each year. Therefore, it can boast of a large influx of tourists.

2. Lake Tanganyika

Location - the lake is divided between four countries - Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burgundy and Zambia, Africa.

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

Lake Tanganyika is the longest freshwater lake and also 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 carried out an expedition in search of the source of the Nile. On local language it translates as " bigger lake, spread out like a plain.”

Tanganyika is famous for its rich aquatic flora and fauna, which numbers more than 250 different species of fish, as well as, great amount species of invertebrate animals 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 welcomes thousands of tourists who kayak, dive, and even organize sport fishing competitions in its waters.

3. Lake Vostok

Location - Antarctica.

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 continent of 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 takes its name from the Russian research station of the same name. By the way, what is noteworthy is that the lowest temperature in the world was recorded at this station, which was -89.2 degrees Celsius, and at that moment the lake was directly below it.

4. Lake San Martin/O"Higgins

Location - Chile and Argentina, South America.

Area and depth – the area of ​​the lake is about 1.013 km, length coastline- 525 km, and maximum depth - 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 Pascua 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 located in one of the least populated areas of the 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 have people begun to settle near its waters.

5. Lake Malawi

Location – the lake is located between the states of Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania, Africa.

Area and depth – The area of ​​the lake is 29,600 km 2 (11,400 sq mi), the maximum depth is 706 m (2316 ft).

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 back in 1846. Lake Malawi is home to a huge variety of fish, which provide food for most of the inhabitants of the surrounding regions. 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 the natural beauty of the water. They go kayaking, water skiing, and scuba diving. Sailing is also very popular in this region.

6. Lake Issyk-Kul

Location - Northern Tien Shan mountains in eastern Kyrgyzstan.

Area and depth - The lake's surface area is 6,236 square kilometers (2,408 sq mi) and its maximum depth is 702 meters (2,192 ft).

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

The Issyk-Kul State Nature Reserve was created in 1948 to protect unique natural landscapes and waterfowl on the lake. The mountains around the lake are home to rare species of animals. The shores of Lake Issyk-Kul are known for their sanatoriums and holiday homes.

7. Lake Quesnel

Location - British Columbia, Canada.

Area and depth - The surface area of ​​the lake is 266 square kilometers, and the maximum depth is 610 meters.
Quesnel is a 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 love this lake very much because of the stunning scenery that opens up around it, as well as the unique tranquility that the ancient cedar forest brings.

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

We are glad to welcome all curious users to 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 calm waters lakes are a charge of vigor and health for humans. By relaxing on the shores of lakes, we can relax from man-made stress and have a wonderful time with loved ones. Well, now let's move on to the rating of the deepest freshwater bodies on the planet.

TOP 10 Deepest lakes on Earth

10

590 meters

Last place Matano is in the ranking of the deepest lakes on Earth. We are talking about a large body of water located on 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 rich wildlife. Among the unique organisms that live in the Indonesian reservoir, many pearls and nutritious fish should be highlighted. Due to the presence of expensive corals, the lake is visited every year by divers from all over the world.

594 meters

This body of water is located in the United States, namely in national park Oretona. We are talking about a very picturesque place, which is surrounded by cliffs spreading above the ground to 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 the recorded figure is 594 meters. This depth is due to melting glaciers. In summer, the water rises strongly. At the same time, it is crystal clear and beneficial for the body.

614 meters

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

668 meters

Pearl Central Asia- a lake familiar to us all, 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 this place. They were probably invented to attract foreign tourists, but that doesn't stop them from being interesting. According to one of the myths, there was previously a huge kingdom on the site of this lake. One day, the ruler decided to drown the kingdom so that no one would know about his weakness in front of the mermaids.

706 meters

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 last 100,000 years the depth of this unique reservoir has decreased significantly. Previously it was 100 meters deeper. Most likely, such changes are caused by desertification of local lands. Coastal zones have become less suitable for crop production. However, the land adjacent to the lake is still productive today. The reservoir itself is rich in minerals and fish. There are always a lot of fishermen and tourists here.

836 meters

San Martin should also be considered one of the deepest lakes on the planet. You won't find a more amazing freshwater body of water in America. 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 is worth noting that this figure is recorded in only 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 four layers of Arctic ice. Nevertheless, modern equipment allows us to find out that the maximum depth of the reservoir is 900 meters. 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, of course, due to the presence of glaciers. The lake was first opened in 1996. Before this, the reservoir was sealed with ice 500,000 years ago.

1025 meters

The top 3 deepest lakes in the world open up the Caspian Sea. The depth is 1025 meters. We are talking about the remnant of the Tethys Sea. The fauna of this reservoir is rich in different kinds fish This is due not only to the area, but also to the salinity of the reservoir. The waters of this unique lake contain many endemic animals, including sturgeon, salmon, white fish and roach. In addition, in the depths of the Caspian Sea you can find bream. The lake is also rich in carbon resources.

Baikal - deepest lake in the world, this is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Its depth is 1637 meters.

Located deepest lake in the world almost in the center of the huge continent of Eurasia. Baikal stretches 636 kilometers in length and 80 kilometers in width.

The water of Lake Baikal accounts for 20% of all fresh water reserves in the world, and 90% in Russia. Baikal is also the cleanest lake in the world. Thanks to the activity of living microorganisms living in it, the water is slightly mineralized (almost distilled), which explains its crystal transparency. In spring, water transparency reaches 40 meters.

Feeds deepest lake in the world three hundred thirty-six permanent rivers and streams. The largest river flowing into Baikal is the Selenga River. Only one river flows out of the lake - the Angara. Thus, Baikal is the deepest lake and the largest reservoir of fresh water in the world.

Very diverse animal life and vegetable world deepest lake in the world. Here you can find whitefish, lenok, taimen - representatives of the salmon family. Sturgeon, grayling, pike, carp, catfish, cod, perch and many other fish families. There are also seals here, which are the only representatives of mammals in the lake. In autumn, you can see many of these Baikal seals on the rocky shores.

The seal is not the only inhabitant of the coasts; many gulls, mergansers, goldeneyes, scoters, scorches, white-tailed eagles, ospreys and other birds nest along the coasts and on the islands.

On South Eastern Siberia, Where Irkutsk region borders on the Buryat Republic, and is located the most 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 of its kind on planet Earth. This is the largest natural repository of the purest fresh water, which makes up one fifth of all the world's reserves and nine-tenths of Russia. The volume of water on Earth exceeds all North American waters combined. 23 thousand cubic meters are stored here. If water suddenly disappeared from Lake Baikal in an incomprehensible way, it would take rivers from all over our planet a whole year to fill it again.

Baikal is transparent like glass, and a white disk with a diameter of 20 centimeters is visible 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 border the basin in which Baikal is located. Primorsky and Baikalsky surround its northwestern part, Barguzinsky - the northeastern part, and from the southeast - the Khamar-Dabansky ridge. The lake is famous for its islands. The largest among them is Olkhon - the heart of Baikal.

Not seeing the deepest lake on Earth, which is about 25 million years old, means not allowing a miracle to happen in life. Two-thirds are plant-based and endemic. You won't find a seal anywhere else! And there are more clear days on Lake Baikal per year than in the resort 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!

Peschannaya Bay has the warmest Baikal water. It is located on the western shore of the lake between the Kharginsky Cape and Sredniye Khomuty. Only here you can see majestic pines and larches on unusually terrifying “stilts”. Due to the fact that sandy soil is constantly blown away from under the trees, their roots are exposed.

Whitefish, sturgeon, lenok, grayling, taimen... The list of names of fish that live in the sacred lake sounds like music to musicians for fishermen.

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

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