Introduction Of Lake Baikal
Tucked away in the vast wilderness of southern Siberia, near the northern border of Mongolia, Lake Baikal is a natural wonder that stands in a league of its own. Not only is it the oldest lake in the world, estimated to be between 25 and 30 million years old, but it’s also the deepest, plunging to an astonishing depth of 5,387 feet (1,642 meters).
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But age and depth aren’t Baikal’s only claims to fame. With an area of 31,722 square kilometers, it’s the seventh-largest lake in the world by surface area, and by volume, it reigns supreme as the largest freshwater lake on the planet. Incredibly, it holds about 5,521 cubic miles (23,000 cubic kilometers) of water—roughly 20% of the world’s unfrozen surface freshwater. That’s more than all five of North America’s Great Lakes combined.
A Winter Wonderland
Come winter, Lake Baikal transforms into a surreal icy landscape. From January to early May, a thick sheet of transparent ice blankets the surface—ranging from 1.6 to 4.6 feet (0.5 to 1.4 meters) thick, and sometimes even more. The ice is so strong that it can support the weight of cars and trucks, allowing for temporary ice roads to form across the lake.
Visitors lucky enough to visit during a cold snap may witness an awe-inspiring phenomenon—freshwater waves freezing in motion, creating sharp, crystalline shards that seem to erupt from the surface. However, this pristine environment is changing. Over the past 50 years, the lake’s average surface temperature has risen by about 1.5°C, a worrying sign of the impacts of climate change.
A Biodiversity Hotspot
Lake Baikal is a living laboratory of evolution. Home to over 2,500 species of animals and nearly 1,000 plant species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth, it’s recognized as one of the most biologically diverse freshwater ecosystems in the world. Uniquely high levels of dissolved oxygen help support this vibrant life.
One of the lake’s most iconic creatures is the Baikal seal (or nerpa), the world’s only exclusively freshwater seal. Another local favorite is the omul, a type of whitefish that has long been a dietary staple for communities around the lake. Due to overfishing, the omul was declared endangered in 2004, highlighting the growing strain on the lake’s natural resources.
A Land of Mountains and Islands
Framed by the rugged Baikal Mountains, the lake is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. It boasts over 455 islands and islets, the largest of which is Olkhon Island—the third-largest lake island in the world. These lands are steeped in local legend and spiritual significance, especially for indigenous Buryat communities.
Baikal receives water from about 300 inflowing rivers, with the Selenga River being the largest contributor. Other notable tributaries include the Barguzin, Upper Angara, Turka, Sarma, and Snezhnaya rivers. Water exits the lake through the Angara River, a major tributary of the Yenisey.
Under Threat
Despite its remote location and immense size, Lake Baikal is facing serious environmental challenges. Industrial pollution, toxic mudflows, and frequent flooding—such as the devastating 2019 floods in Irkutsk that affected over 11,000 homes—are threatening the lake’s delicate ecosystem.
Add to that illegal poaching, unregulated mining activities, and the effects of climate change, and it’s clear this UNESCO World Heritage Site is in danger. Conservationists and scientists alike are sounding the alarm, urging stronger protection measures to preserve Baikal’s natural beauty and ecological richness for future generations.
