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The Miracle of the Lake: Why is Lake Baikal the Deepest Freshwater Lake in the World?
Lake Baikal, located in the Siberia region of southwestern Russia, is the deepest lake in the world, reaching more than 1,642 meters underground, and holds more than 23,600 cubic kilometers of fresh water, making it the largest freshwater lake on Earth.
Lake Baikal is one of the oldest lakes on Earth, with a history of more than 25 million years. With an area of 31,722 square kilometers, slightly larger than Belgium, it is the seventh largest lake in the world and the second largest lake in Eurasia. Its depth exceeds five thousand meters, giving it a unique geography and ecosystem.
The lake was formed by the Baikal Rift, an active area of Earth's crust that is slowly stretching. This geological activity gives the lake its unparalleled depth and also creates ideal conditions for the ecology around it.
Geographical and hydrological characteristics
The hydrological characteristics of Lake Baikal make it a unique ecosystem. The lake water is extremely transparent, reaching 30-40 meters in winter and usually between 5-8 meters in summer. This has to do with the high oxygen content in the environment, making it stand out in nature.
Around the lake, waves as high as 4.5 meters can be seen, which often appear in summer and autumn, adding to the dynamism of the area.
The water temperature of Lake Baikal also has obvious seasonal changes. In winter, the surface is frozen for about 4 to 5 months. When all the ice melts, the lake water will be heated by the sun and eventually reach a high temperature of 16 degrees C in summer. These factors work together to create a diverse range of biological habitats.
Biodiversity
Lake Baikal's ecosystem is one of the richest in the world, with more than 2,500 species of plants and animals, most of which are unique to this area.
The flora and fauna of Lake Baikal are extremely diverse, with more than 80% of the animals being endemic. The coral reefs, algae and various invertebrates in the lake provide important support for local biodiversity.
Of particular note is the Baikal seal, a mammal unique to Lake Baikal that lives only here. In addition to the Baikal seal, shore bears, snow leopards and other intercontinental creatures can also be found in this ecosystem.
Human History
The area around Lake Baikal was inhabited by ancient humans dating back more than 25,000 years. Over the long years, local residents, especially the Buryat tribes, have given the lake a unique name and culture.
The lake is called the "Lake of Plenty," a name that reflects not only the abundance of its resources but also symbolizes the interdependent relationship between the locals and the natural world.
As Russia expanded in the 17th century, Lake Baikal became an important base for exploration and scientific research. The first Russian explorer to enter the lake, Qurbat Ivanov, arrived in 1643, laying the foundation for more explorations to come.
In the current timeline, although technology has enabled us to gain a deeper understanding of Lake Baikal's ecology and geography, the lake remains a mystery. So, what challenges will this ancient lake face as human activities gradually affect the natural environment?
