Lake baikal

Lake Baikal is a rift lake located in southern Siberia, Russia, between the Irkutsk Oblast to the northwest and the Buryat Republic to the southeast. It is the largest freshwater lake by volume in the world, containing about 23% of the world's fresh surface water.

Geography

Lake Baikal is in a rift valley, created by the Baikal Rift Zone, where the Earth's crust is slowly pulling apart. The lake is completely surrounded by mountains. The Baikal Mountains on the north shore and the Taiga are technically protected as a national park.

Flora and Fauna

Lake Baikal is rich in biodiversity. It hosts more than 1,700 species of plants and animals, two-thirds of which can be found nowhere else in the world. The lake is home to Buryat tribes who reside on the eastern side of the lake, rearing goats, camels, cattle, and sheep.

Hydrology

The lake is divided into three basins: North, Central, and South, with depths about 900m, 1,600m, and 1,400m respectively. The water of Lake Baikal has some of the most unique physical and chemical properties. It is one of the clearest, most ancient and deepest lakes in the world.

Climate

Lake Baikal has a severe climate with high precipitation and low temperatures. The lake freezes over for up to five months a year. The ice cover is very thick and strong, enough to support heavy vehicles.

Human Impact and Conservation

The lake, its surrounding area, and the unique species it harbors are under threat from industrial pollution, poaching, and climate change. The Lake Baikal Foundation is one of the organizations working to protect the lake and its biodiversity.

See Also

• List of lakes by volume
• List of lakes by depth
• List of World Heritage Sites in Russia