Russia / Irkutsk OblastBaikal is an ancient lake with vibrant geology and a rare ecosystem. It combines vibrant winter ice, crystal clear waters, and a depth comparable to the heights of mountains.
Geography and scale
The lake is approximately 636 km long, up to 79 km wide, and covers an area of approximately 31,722 km². This is comparable to the area of Belgium, and its length is almost equal to the distance between Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Depth and volume
The maximum depth is 1642 m, the average is about 744 m; the lake bottom is approximately 1,2 km below sea level (relative to the surface). The total volume is approximately 23,600 cubic kilometers—more than all five Great Lakes of North America combined.
Ice and transparency
In winter, visibility reaches 40 meters, and the ice typically lasts from January to May, thickening to 70–120 cm (over 150 cm in severe winters). Kilometer-long cracks "sing," relieving tension and forming impressive ice ridges.
Biodiversity and endemics
More than 3700 species and subspecies have been recorded, approximately 80% of which are endemic. The Baikal seal is one of the few freshwater pinnipeds; sponges and small crustaceans filter the water, maintaining its clarity.
Hydrology
More than 330 rivers and streams flow into the lake, and only one river flows out; it takes about 330 years for the water to completely renew itself. High oxygen levels persist even at great depths, which is unusual for such deep lakes.
Climate and waves
Mountain ranges generate strong winds, capable of generating waves up to 4–5 meters high. Conditions change rapidly: calm can turn into a storm in a matter of hours.
Geology and seismicity
Lake Baikal is located on a continental rift and is slowly expanding by millimeters per year. The region is seismically active, with frequent microearthquakes and ongoing changes in the shape of the lake bed.
Data and comparisons
About one-fifth of the planet's unfrozen freshwater is stored here. If Lake Baikal's water were distributed across Germany, it would form a layer approximately 66 meters deep. This equates to approximately 3 million liters per person on Earth—more than decades of typical household consumption.
Remarkable figures
The coastline exceeds 2100 km and includes approximately 27 islands. Summer surface temperatures range from 8–12°C (up to 20°C in shallow bays); deep-sea temperatures remain at 3–4°C year-round. Visibility beneath the ice reaches 40 m, and the ice lasts for 4–5 months.
Protection of the environment
Lake Baikal is sensitive to warming, pollution, and invasive species. Responsible tourism and scientific monitoring are crucial to preserving its clean waters and unique biodiversity.
Irkutsk RegionBaikal is an ancient lake with vibrant geology and a rare ecosystem. It combines vibrant winter ice, crystal clear waters, and a depth comparable to the heights of mountains.
Geography and scale
The lake is approximately 636 km long, up to 79 km wide, and covers an area of approximately 31,722 km². This is comparable to the area of Belgium, and its length is almost equal to the distance between Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Depth and volume
The maximum depth is 1642 m, the average is about 744 m; the lake bottom is approximately 1,2 km below sea level (relative to the surface). The total volume is approximately 23,600 cubic kilometers—more than all five Great Lakes of North America combined.
Ice and transparency
In winter, visibility reaches 40 meters, and the ice typically lasts from January to May, thickening to 70–120 cm (over 150 cm in severe winters). Kilometer-long cracks "sing," relieving tension and forming impressive ice ridges.
Biodiversity and endemics
More than 3700 species and subspecies have been recorded, approximately 80% of which are endemic. The Baikal seal is one of the few freshwater pinnipeds; sponges and small crustaceans filter the water, maintaining its clarity.
Hydrology
More than 330 rivers and streams flow into the lake, and only one river flows out; it takes about 330 years for the water to completely renew itself. High oxygen levels persist even at great depths, which is unusual for such deep lakes.
Climate and waves
Mountain ranges generate strong winds, capable of generating waves up to 4–5 meters high. Conditions change rapidly: calm can turn into a storm in a matter of hours.
Geology and seismicity
Lake Baikal is located on a continental rift and is slowly expanding by millimeters per year. The region is seismically active, with frequent microearthquakes and ongoing changes in the shape of the lake bed.
Data and comparisons
About one-fifth of the planet's unfrozen freshwater is stored here. If Lake Baikal's water were distributed across Germany, it would form a layer approximately 66 meters deep. This equates to approximately 3 million liters per person on Earth—more than decades of typical household consumption.
Remarkable figures
The coastline exceeds 2100 km and includes approximately 27 islands. Summer surface temperatures range from 8–12°C (up to 20°C in shallow bays); deep-sea temperatures remain at 3–4°C year-round. Visibility beneath the ice reaches 40 m, and the ice lasts for 4–5 months.
Protection of the environment
Lake Baikal is sensitive to warming, pollution, and invasive species. Responsible tourism and scientific monitoring are crucial to preserving its clean waters and unique biodiversity.