The deepest lake in the world. The deepest and cleanest lake

"Baikal, it would seem, should suppress a man with his greatness and size - everything is large, everything is wide, free and mysterious - he, on the contrary, raises him." These are the words of Rasputin, which largely influenced the fate of the Russian Empire, about the giant that has influenced Russia and the world so far.

But what is it in reality? Is the image in the subconscious different from what is before the eyes of travelers, tourists, photographers, researchers? What is the deepest lake in the world? Let's try to get to know Baykal more closely.

Where did Baikal come from?

Baikal is a fault in the earth's crust, the deepest lake in the world, located right in the middle of Asia, between Buryatia and the Irkutsk region. The depression is considered the center of the so-called Baikal rift zone, beneath which magma heats the bark and it spreads to the sides. As a result, Baikal grows by 2 cm per year and in the distant future will become a full-fledged sea. Although there are already so many water in it that every person on earth will have enough for 3,200,000 liters.

It was believed that the formation of the basin began about 25-20 million years ago. But as a result of the expedition "Worlds on Lake Baikal" in 2009, researchers from Ulan-Ude at the bottom of the lake found mud volcanoes, which, according to the hypothesis, formed deposits of sand and silt at the bottom. This discovery "rejuvenated" the reservoir to 150 thousand years, and the coastline - up to 8 thousand.

The people of Lake Baikal and their legends

The results of archaeological research at the Irkutsk State University say that 3,000 years ago the shores of Lake Baikal were inhabited by Huns. 2000-1500 years ago the Turkic-speaking peoples separated from them, and a little later - in the 7-8 centuries - and Mongolian.

Until the 12th and 13th centuries. Of our era Baikal inhabited the barges, which eventually replaced the Buryats living on the lake until now. Baikal is sacred to the Buryats. There are many legends about its origin.

One of them claims that the deepest lake in the world came from the heart of a wanderer who burned the earth through and through. From the bowels of the earth, a flood of water poured in and filled the pit.

Secret and covered with valleys and mountains. For example, the Shaman rock on Olkhon. Pass it by the wheels can not. Only on a horse or sleigh. All because the owner of the Angara lives in the stone, Ama Sagan-Noyon. And Shaman-stone itself is a part of the rock, which Baikal killed his daughter Angara.

Why Baikal?

Perhaps once the Turks who inhabited the Baikal region called the deepest lake in the world, buy-kul, which means "rich lake". It is likely that the Mongolian Baigal-Dalai, which means "great lake", and its name has gone.

The development of Lake Baikal

With the advent of people on Lake Baikal, his study began. The results of the "scientific activities" of ancient peoples can be seen on Cape Ludar, in caves with petroglyphs from the Neolithic times and in Chinese annals of the beginning of our era.

The starting point for studying Baikal by the Russians can be considered the middle of the 17th century. In 1643 Kurbat Ivanov opened the lake. Protopop Avvakum Petrov was the first to describe on paper the majestic giant. In 1667, the deepest lake in the world first got on the map in the "Drawing of the Siberian Land", and a little later Nikolai Spafary described it scientifically.

The formation of the Academy of Sciences gave impetus to the study of the lake. Since 1723, geographic, cartographic, hydrographic expeditions have been conducted in the Baikal region, maps have been compiled, hypotheses have been put forward about the origin of the reservoir.

The achievements of scientific and technological progress in the 20 th century pushed the study of Baikal to a new height. Immersing deep-sea vehicles, including explorers on board, drilling the bottom, the work of a neutrino telescope - the deepest lake in Russia provides a huge potential for scientific research.

Baikal flora and fauna

High ridges and deep valleys, steppe and taiga, unique water - conditions for the development of the animal world of the reservoir and the Baikal region. The deepest lake in the world is a perfect example of a closed ecosystem.

It hosts more than 50 species of fish, of which 27 are endemic, that is, nowhere else found. Omul, golomyanka, pike, salmon, Amur catfish - all that is rich in the deepest and cleanest lake, you will not list.

The forests surrounding the lake are filled with more than 80 and 230 species of animals and birds, respectively. Bear, boar, cormorant, wapiti, blue nightingale, eagle, roe deer, musk deer, glutton, sable and seal, the symbol of the Baikal wildlife, is the incomplete list of animals found in the protected forests and waters of the reservoir. Siberian larch, ferns of 37 species, cedars, unique algae - unique flora.

The threat of ecology

The territory of the Baikal region, divided into 5 reserves and 3 national parks, needs protection. In the year 66 of the 20th century, a pulp and paper mill was commissioned on the southern shore. From this moment the countdown of environmental crimes is being counted.

The poisonous run-off of the plant led to a catastrophic state of 10 square kilometers. Km of water on the surface and 70 sq. M. Km area at the bottom. The maximum permissible concentration of phenols, petroleum products and sulphates is exceeded at times.

To the pollution from the pulp and paper mill in the late 90's, an underground gasoline lake was added. 18 thousand tons of gasoline near the glassworks in Ulan-Ude threaten the state of Lake Baikal.

What is Baikal?

While the ecology is not completely bad, the deepest lake in Russia feeds everyone.

Hunters harvested by seal - meat, skin, fat. Fishermen sell the omul in three kinds, as well as its eggs, grayling, burbot. Golomyanka - a fish, half consisting of fat, is actively sold to tourists.

Pine nuts, cedar oil, Siberian herbs, costume jewelry from the local charoite - a stone of unique lilac color, souvenirs, musical instruments - everything goes on sale.

Ice and Lake Baikal

When the ice comes - from October to June - the life of the inhabitants is changing. Anglers are cautiously out on the ice fishing, Buryats are riding on the Irkutsk side. But the dense movement begins not earlier than February - from the moment of full strengthening of the crust.

Ice carries a danger. Hummocks in the height of a man are not so terrible. They can be bypassed. Insidious stench cracks. Suddenly opening with a loud pop, wide open mouth, they absorb everything around them. In such a terrible way, not one hundred reckless people perished.

Over the winter, ice grows to 100-120 cm, sometimes up to 150. At the same time, it is surprisingly transparent, like glass. The ice lasts until early June. Back in May it is possible to walk on it in summer clothes, because the climate of the Baikal region is soft for Siberia, in winter it is -20 on average and there are more sunny days than in the southern regions of the country.

Rest on Lake Baikal

Unusual nature and monumental beauty attract tourists. In winter, the deepest lake in the world wants to go skiing, skating, snowboarding, snowmobiles, off-road cars, ice fishing and hunting. Photos from Baikal are incredibly picturesque and attractive.

You can stop at recreation centers. Basically they are located on the Irkutsk side. Buryat - mostly reserves.

With the advent of summer, new entertainments appear. A wide stretch of water draws kaiters, canoeists and lovers of quiet water walks on ships. Mountains, hills and forests are ideal for mountain biking, downhill and heavy tourist hikes. Conquerors of the mountains will appreciate the Black Height - 2,588 meters and class 2A.

Swim at Baikal is a feat. Above 12 degrees the water temperature does not rise. With the sand on the beaches of the highest standard. If you still do not want to leave without photographing yourself in the waters of the lake, then you should look for coves and bays. In them the water warms up more. You can also visit the so-called Small Sea. This is a strait, separated from the general water area by the island of Olkhon.

Baikal - the deepest lake in the world - is ideal for families. Recreation bases offer a wide range of comfort options. Geothermal springs and magic air will heal any body and soul.