Category: Lakes

Lake Syamozero, known in Finnish as Säämäjärvi and in Karelian as Seämärvi, is a notable freshwater lake situated in the Republic of Karelia in the northwestern region of Russia. The lake is positioned to the west of Petrozavodsk, the capital city of the Republic. Covering an expansive area of approximately 265 to 270 square kilometers, Lake Syamozero is a significant body of water in this region. Depth and Structure The lake reaches a maximum depth of around 24 meters, providing a habitat conducive to various aquatic species. The presence of several islands dotting its surface adds to the lake's scenic and ecological diversity. Utilization and Activities Lake Syamozero plays a crucial role in local industries and recreational activities. It is a valuable resource for fishing, contributing significantly to the local…

Lake Neusiedl, also known as Fertő tó, is a prominent endorheic lake straddling the border between Austria and Hungary. It is the largest lake of its kind in Central Europe, covering a total area of 315 square kilometers. The lake is unique for its shallow nature, with an average depth of about 1 meter and a maximum depth of only 1.8 meters. Its surface elevation is 115.45 meters above sea level. Location and Size The lake extends approximately 36 kilometers in length and varies between 6 to 12 kilometers in width. Its catchment area encompasses around 1,120 square kilometers. Geographically, the Austrian portion of the lake constitutes the majority of its area, covering 240 square kilometers, while the Hungarian side accounts for 75 square kilometers. Ecological Importance Lake Neusiedl is…

Lake Umbozero, nestled in the Murmansk Oblast of Russia, presents a unique natural landscape flanked by the Khibiny Mountains to the west and the Lovozero Tundras to the east. This lake is a notable feature in the Russian topography, distinguished by its considerable size and depth. Geographical Features The lake spans a substantial area of 422 square kilometers, making it a significant water body in the region. It lies at the coordinates 67°41′45″N 34°22′44″E and reaches an impressive maximum depth of 115 meters, while its average depth is around 15 meters. The lake's surface elevation stands at 149 meters above sea level. Hydrological Characteristics Umbozero Lake is primarily fed by the Sura River and drains into the Umba River, playing a crucial role in the local hydrological system. Its geographical…

The Lokka Reservoir, also known as Lokan tekojärvi or Lokan allas, is a significant man-made reservoir situated upstream of the Luiro River in Sodankylä, northern Finland. It holds a unique position due to its variable size and role in regional water management. Geographical Characteristics Located at coordinates 67°49′12″N 27°45′00″E, the Lokka Reservoir exhibits a fluctuating surface area ranging from 216 to 418 square kilometers. This change is attributed to its water level variations, which can range from 240 to 245 meters above mean sea level. Construction and Purpose The reservoir's construction began in 1967, marking a significant development in the control and regulation of water flow to the power plants located along the Kemijoki River. The Lokka Reservoir plays a critical role in hydroelectric power generation, contributing to the region's…

Located in the southeastern part of the Republic of Karelia, Russia, Lake Vodlozero is a prominent freshwater body renowned for its natural beauty and ecological significance. Its geographical coordinates are 62°20′N 36°55′E. Geographical Aspects Lake Vodlozero spans an area of 322 square kilometers, making it a considerable expanse in the region. It measures about 36 kilometers in length and 16 kilometers in width. The lake's vast surface area and extensive reach make it a notable geographical feature in Karelia. Islands and Tributaries A striking feature of Lake Vodlozero is its abundance of islands, numbering over 190, which adds to the lake's scenic charm and ecological diversity. The largest tributary feeding the lake is the Ileksa River. In contrast, the lake's waters eventually find their way to Lake Onega through its…

Lake Ivankovo Reservoir, often referred to as the Ivankovskoye Reservoir and colloquially known as the Moscow Sea, is a notable hydroelectric reservoir situated on the Volga River. It spans across the Moscow and Tver Oblasts in Russia, approximately 130 kilometers north of Moscow. The geographical coordinates of the reservoir are 56°45′N 37°04′E. Geographical and Hydrological Features The Ivankovo Reservoir extends to a length of about 120 kilometers and has a maximum width of approximately 4 kilometers. The surface area of this expansive water body is 327 square kilometers. It is characterized by an average depth of 15 meters and reaches its maximum depth at 23 meters. Tributaries and Subdivisions This reservoir incorporates the lower course of the Shosha River, its right tributary the Lama, and the Soz. It comprises three…

Lake Torneträsk, known in Swedish as Torne träsk and in Saami as Duortnosjávri, is a significant water body located in Kiruna Municipality in Lapland, within Norrbotten County, Sweden. It is nestled in the Scandinavian Mountains and holds the distinction of being the sixth-largest lake in Sweden. The coordinates of Lake Torneträsk are 68°22′N 019°06′E. Geographical Features Spanning a length of 70 kilometers and a width of up to 11 kilometers, Lake Torneträsk covers a surface area of approximately 332 square kilometers. It is known for its remarkable depth, reaching 168 meters at its deepest point, which makes it the second-deepest lake in Sweden. The lake's substantial depth is attributed to its glacial origins. Hydrology The primary inflows to Lake Torneträsk include several rivers and streams such as the Válfojohka, Kamajåkka,…

Lake Puula, also known as Puulavesi, is a remarkable lake situated in the Kymi River area of Finland. It lies within the boundaries of the Finnish municipalities of Hirvensalmi, Kangasniemi, and Mikkeli. The lake is geographically positioned at coordinates 61°48′36″N 026°41′38″E. Geographical Features Puula stands at an elevation of 94.7 meters above sea level and spans an area of approximately 331 square kilometers. One of its most notable features is its depth, plunging to 62 meters at its deepest point near Porttisalmi in the Simpiänselkä area, which is the largest open section of the lake. An interesting geological transformation occurred in 1854 when the water level was lowered by 2.5 meters, leading to the emergence of geological stacks that were previously underwater. Hydrological Aspects The waters of Lake Puula flow…

Lake Manych-Gudilo, a significant saline water body in Kalmykia, Russia, extends its reach into Rostov Oblast and Stavropol Krai. Positioned at coordinates 46°20′09″N 42°47′58″E, this expansive lake covers an area of approximately 344 square kilometers. Despite its vast expanse, it is relatively shallow, with an average depth of just 0.6 meters and a maximum depth of 2.2 meters. Geographical Significance This lake holds a critical position as the source of the West Manych River. This river meanders northwest, passing through several reservoirs before merging with the lower Don River, shortly before it meets the Sea of Azov. Climate and Biodiversity The region surrounding Lake Manych-Gudilo experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with winter lows reaching down to -30 °C (-22 °F) and summer highs soaring up to…

Lake Siljan, nestled in the heart of Dalarna, central Sweden, is renowned as the country's seventh largest lake. Its coordinates are 60°51′N 14°48′E. The combined area of Siljan and its neighboring smaller lakes, Orsasjön and Insjön, covers an impressive 354 square kilometers. The lake's maximum depth reaches 134 meters, and it is positioned 161 meters above sea level, placing its basin's lowest point at 27 meters above sea level. The most prominent town along its shores is Mora. Impact Crater: The Siljan Ring One of the lake's most fascinating features is its location around the southwestern edge of the Siljan Ring, a circular geological formation created by a significant meteorite impact 377 million years ago during the Devonian period. This original crater, now largely eroded, was once about 52 kilometers…