Lake Baikal

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DEM Baikal lake

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Lake Baikal in winter

Olkhon Island and Lake Baikal

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Побережье Байкала в Сухой

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Lake Baikal is a rift lake located in southern Siberia, Russia. It is the largest freshwater lake by volume in the world, containing roughly 23% of the world's fresh surface water. With a maximum depth of 1,642 meters (5,387 ft), Lake Baikal is also the world's deepest lake. It is considered among the world's clearest lakes and is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO.

Geography

Lake Baikal is situated in a cleft where Asia is slowly splitting apart, the Baikal Rift Zone. The lake is approximately 636 km (395 miles) long and 79 km (49 miles) wide at its widest point. The lake's basin is made up of three parts: the Northern Basin, the Central Basin, and the Southern Basin. The Siberian region around the lake is known for its rugged beauty and diverse wildlife.

Biodiversity

Lake Baikal is home to more than 1,700 species of plants and animals, two-thirds of which can be found nowhere else in the world. This high level of endemism has earned the lake the nickname "Galápagos of Russia." The most famous of Baikal's species is the Baikal seal or nerpa (Pusa sibirica), the only freshwater seal in the world. The lake's biodiversity is a result of its age, isolation, and deep oxygenated water which supports life at all depths.

Ecology

The ecology of Lake Baikal is under threat from pollution, poaching, and the introduction of alien species. Industrial pollution, particularly from the Baikalsk Pulp and Paper Mill, has been a significant problem in the past, although efforts are being made to reduce industrial emissions into the lake. Climate change also poses a threat to the lake's unique ecosystem, affecting the ice cover and water temperature, which in turn impacts the species that inhabit its waters.

Culture and History

The area around Lake Baikal has been inhabited by various indigenous groups for thousands of years, including the Buryats and Evenks. The lake has played a significant role in Russian history and exploration. The Trans-Siberian Railway was built near the lake's southern shore at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, showcasing the engineering prowess of the time and increasing accessibility to the Siberian interior.

Tourism

Lake Baikal attracts tourists from around the world, drawn by its natural beauty, clear waters, and unique wildlife. Activities include hiking, ice skating on the frozen lake in winter, and exploring the traditional cultures of the indigenous peoples. The lake's islands, particularly Olkhon Island, are popular destinations for their natural beauty and cultural significance.

Conservation

Efforts to conserve Lake Baikal's unique ecosystem are ongoing. The lake is protected by several national parks and reserves, including Baikal-Lena Nature Reserve, Baikalsky Nature Reserve, and Pribaikalsky National Park. International cooperation and funding have been crucial in efforts to monitor and protect the lake's water quality and biodiversity.