Do you know which is the oldest lake on Earth?

Just like mountains, lakes may be ancient geological features. Although most lakes are relatively young in geology, some have been going on for millions of years. Among them, Lake Baikal in Siberia is the oldest, deepest, deepest and most diverse freshwater body on the earth. The lake is estimated to be 25 million years old and continues to attract scientists and nature lovers.

Key Points

• Lake Baikal is the oldest lake on earth, founded 25 million years ago.
• It is the deepest lake (1.6 km), with thick layer of sediment (7 km deep).
• Rift Valley Lake continues to expand due to tectonic movement.
• The only freshwater sealed species, unique diatoms and a diverse flora and fauna.
• Despite its biological importance, the lake is threatened by climate change and pollution.

Key facts about Lake Baikal

feature	detail
Place	Southeast Siberia, Russia
age	~25 million years
size	12,239 square miles (31,700 square kilometers)
depth	~ 1 mile (1.6 km)
Sediment depth	3.1-4.3 miles (5-7 km)
type	Rift Valley Lake
Unique species	Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica)
temperature	avg. 39°F (4°C)

Why is Lake Baikal the oldest?

Scientists determine the age of the lake by studying the accumulation of sediments using isotope dating, a process that measures the ratio of radioisotopes such as caesarean section, lead and carbon. The significant depth of the sediment at the Baikal base helps estimate its formation timeline.

Unlike most lakes formed by glacial activity, which have relatively short lifespans, Lake Baikal is a rift valley lake formed by the movement of tectonic plates.

The formation process of the cracked lake

• The continental plates pulled apart to form a deep valley called Graben.
• As time goes by, the water fills the grip and forms a lake.
• The movement of continuous plates prevents sediment from filling the basin, thus allowing the lake to last for millions of years.
• Due to ongoing tectonic activities, Lake Baikal continues to expand approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) each year.

Comparison with other ancient lakes

lake	Place	Estimated age
Lake Baikal	Russia	~25 million years
See more : Can You Find Hidden Five Seedless Watermelons Within 10 Secs? Explanation and Solution to the Five Seedless Watermelons Optical Illusion Lake Issik	Kyrgyzstan	~20 million years
Tanganyika Lake	Africa	About 12 million years
Lake Malawi	Africa	~5 million years

Biological significance

Lake Baikal is the most biologically diverse freshwater lake on Earth and is home to many endemic species.

Unique wildlife in Lake Baikal

• The only sealed species inhabiting freshwater is the Baikal seal (Pusa Sibirica).
• Diatoms: A single-celled algae that forms a biologically produced glass structure.
• Freshwater shrimp: It is important to study species diversity and evolution.
• More than 2500 species of animals and plants, 80% of which are endemic.

The isolation and age of the lake provide an ideal environment for evolution, resulting in a high exclusive rate.

Human interaction and climate challenges

Lake Baikal is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors a magnificent landscape, biodiversity and ice-covered landscape. However, it remains frozen for five months each year, making it a grim environment for entertainment. The water is very cold and the average surface temperature is 4°C (39°F).

Environmental Threats

• Climate change affects ice sheet duration and water temperature.
• Pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff threatens aquatic life.
• Endogenous species that are dangerous for illegal fishing, such as Baikal seals.

Conservation efforts have been made to protect this ancient lake, but continuous monitoring and sustainable practices are necessary.

in conclusion

Lake Baikal is not only the oldest and deepest lake on earth, but also an extraordinary treasure house of creatures. Its unique geological formation, ecosystem and ongoing tectonic activities make it a living laboratory for scientists. As climate change and human activities pose new challenges, efforts to maintain this natural miracle are more important than ever.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion