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Did you know that Lake Baikal contains more than 23% of the world's fresh water!
Lake Baikal, a rift valley lake located in southern Siberia, Russia, is world-famous for its amazing depth and water storage. This lake is 636 kilometers long and the deepest reaches 1,642 meters. It is the deepest lake in the world and the largest freshwater lake in the world. It has a water storage capacity of 23,615.39 cubic kilometers, accounting for 22% to 23% of the world's freshwater resources. This number exceeds the five largest lakes in North America combined, making it one of the most important bodies of water on Earth.
"Lake Baikal is known as the lungs of the earth. Its ecology is extremely rich and nurtures countless unique creatures."
Over time, Lake Baikal is estimated to be between 25 and 30 million years old, making it the oldest lake on Earth. There are more than 1,000 species of plants and 2,500 species of animals in the lake, of which more than 80% are endemic to the area. These statistics are only potential numbers because many species have yet to be discovered.
In the natural environment around Lake Baikal, the Buryat people live. They live on camels, goats and horses, and there are many other livestock industries on the east side of the lake. Their way of life is closely linked to this vast body of water, and the protection of these ecosystems has become part of the local culture.
"The water of Lake Baikal is clear and transparent. Its transparency can reach 30 to 40 meters in winter and generally 5 to 8 meters in summer."
The water characteristics of Lake Baikal are also unique. The lake water is rich in oxygen, which allows it to maintain a good ecological environment even in deep water areas. The seasonal changes in the lake water are significant. In winter, the water surface freezes for about 4 to 5 months, and the ice thickness can reach 1.4 meters. However, climate change is affecting how long the lake remains frozen, with scientists noting that the ice-covered period has shortened by nearly 1.5 degrees Celsius over the past 50 years.
Geographical and hydrological characteristics of Lake Baikal
The area where Lake Baikal is located is one of the largest land rifts on earth. It belongs to the Baikal Rift Zone, and the earth's crust is slowly expanding outward. The shape of the lake and its bottom structure are very complex, and it is divided into three main basins: north, middle and south. Each basin has unique hydrological characteristics and forms a sufficient shield with the surrounding mountains to protect this ecosystem from external damage.
"The ecosystem of Lake Baikal is very fragile, and any environmental changes may have long-term effects on the organisms here."
Since 1996, Lake Baikal has been listed as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO, not only because of its ecological importance, but also for its cultural and historical value. The protection and management of this water area continues, and local environmentalists and international organizations are working continuously to ensure that this treasure will last forever.
The importance of biodiversity
The biodiversity of Lake Baikal is amazing. More than 80% of biological species are endemic species. The creatures here have adapted to the unique environment of the lake and formed a unique ecosystem. In spring and summer, the lake attracts flocks of migratory birds to live here, and many fish thrive in the waters. This is a miracle of nature.
"Lake Baikal's species include the unique Balhari seal, which fully demonstrates the uniqueness of its ecosystem."
Invasive species in lakes are of particular concern, and ecologists and conservationists need to continue their efforts in this regard to protect indigenous species from threats. The green algae, freshwater fish and various invertebrate species in the lake are protected. With the deepening of research, people have begun to understand the importance of these species in maintaining ecological balance.
History and Humanities of Lake Baikal
Lake Baikal and its surrounding areas have a long history of human settlement, with traces of ancient culture as early as 24,000 years ago. Further archaeological research shows that the human culture on this land is closely related to the ecology of the lake. Over time, people's understanding and utilization of this land gradually deepened.
In Mongolian history, Lake Baikal was regarded as an important natural resource. The ancient conflicts between the Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu were also closely related to this lake. It was not until the 17th century, when Russian explorers first explored the waters, that Lake Baikal came into European sight, attracting the interest of countless explorers and scientists.
Today's worsening climate change and threats posed by human activities have put this ancient lake facing unprecedented challenges. How to continue to promote local cultural and economic development while protecting this water area has become a new problem.
As one of the most important freshwater indicators on the planet, Lake Baikal makes us think about: in today's fast-paced development, how should we better protect these precious water resources and ensure that the future ecology and human beings can be harmonious What about coexistence?
