Category: Lakes

Lake Lacha, a serene freshwater gem, lies nestled in the south of Kargopolsky District, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia. Its coordinates are 61°19′40″N 38°45′53″E. This expansive lake, positioned just 7 kilometers south of the town of Kargopol, holds the distinction of being the largest lake in Arkhangelsk Oblast, boasting a surface area of 334 square kilometers. The lake's primary inflows, the rivers Svid and Lyokshma, contribute to its vast catchment area of 12,600 square kilometers. Lake Lacha is notably the source of the Onega River, a significant waterway within the White Sea basin. Despite its geographical importance, the origins of the lake's name remain shrouded in mystery. The river basin encompassing Lake Lacha extends through the southern and western segments of Kargopolsky District and even reaches into the north-western parts of Vologda…

Lake Ohrid, a natural marvel that graces the mountainous border between North Macedonia and eastern Albania, stands as one of Europe's deepest and most ancient lakes. Its exact coordinates are 41°2′N 20°43′E. This majestic body of water is not only a repository of natural beauty but also a cradle of biodiversity, harboring more than 200 unique species. Spanning a surface area of 358 square kilometers, Lake Ohrid reaches a profound maximum depth of 288 meters, making it the deepest lake in the Balkans. The lake is nurtured by a variety of sources, including the Sateska River and Biljana's springs, and it finds its escape through the Black Drin River. The lake is a significant part of the catchment area, which is estimated to be around 2,600 square kilometers. The significance…

Lake Pyhäselkä, nestled in the scenic region of North Karelia, Finland, is a notable part of the extensive Saimaa lake system. Located at the coordinates 62°28′N and 029°46′E, this Finnish lake presents a serene and picturesque landscape, characteristic of the Nordic countryside. Covering a surface area of 361.10 square kilometers, Lake Pyhäselkä is distinguished by its expansive and tranquil waters. The lake's elevation at 75.9 meters above sea level contributes to its unique ecological system and supports a diverse range of flora and fauna. One of the lake's most striking features is the island of Tikansaari, which adds to its natural allure and offers a habitat for various bird species. The primary inflows of Lake Pyhäselkä include the Höytiäinen and Pielisjoki rivers, which play a crucial role in maintaining its…

Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest and one of Europe's deepest lakes, is a glacial fjord lake prominently located in the southern part of Norway, about 100 kilometers north of Oslo. It extends majestically across the regions of Innlandet and Viken, spanning an impressive length of 117 kilometers and a width of up to 9 kilometers. With an average depth of 150 meters, Mjøsa holds the distinction of being the fourth deepest lake in Norway and one of the deepest in Europe. The primary inflow of Lake Mjøsa is the Gudbrandsdalslågen River from the north, while the Vorma River serves as its only distributary to the south. The lake's vast water volume, estimated at about 56.24 cubic kilometers, is contained within a basin area of 16,563.89 square kilometers. Interestingly, the deepest point…

Lake Garda, recognized as Italy's largest lake, graces the northern part of the country, nestled between the cities of Brescia and Milan to the west and Verona and Venice to the east. The lake is a natural beauty that carves into the edge of the Italian Alps, especially the Garda Mountains and the Brenta Group. The glaciers from the last ice age are credited for shaping this alpine region. Lake Garda's vast shoreline stretches across the provinces of Brescia, Verona, and Trentino. The lake's Roman era name, Benacus, suggests a revered history, often associated with the deity Benacus, linked to the cult of Neptune. The modern name 'Garda' stems from Germanic roots, implying a place of guard or safety. This name evolution reflects the area's rich history, involving Germanic presence…

Lake Skadar, straddling the border between Albania and Montenegro, holds the title of the largest lake in Southern Europe. Notably, it is also known as Lake Scutari, Lake Shkodër, and Lake Shkodra. This expansive water body, with its karst origins, is a prominent feature in the region, named after the city of Shkodër situated on its southeastern coast. The lake's vastness is evident in its fluctuating surface area, ranging from 370 km2 to 530 km2, making it the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula. Its geographical position places it on the border area, with Montenegro having a larger share of the lake than Albania. The lake's water level varies seasonally, with an average depth of 5.01 meters and a maximum depth reaching up to 44 meters. Lake Skadar is known…

Lake Sheksna Reservoir, prominently situated in Vologda Oblast of Russia, is an expansive water reservoir on the Sheksna River and Lake Beloye. It encompasses several districts, including Belozersky, Vashkinsky, Kirillovsky, and Sheksninsky. The reservoir was created by the construction of the Sheksna Hydropower Plant dam, located near the urban-type settlement of Sheksna. With a surface area of 1,670 square kilometers (640 sq mi), an average depth of 17 meters (56 ft), and a water volume of 6.5 cubic kilometers (1.6 cu mi), the Sheksna Reservoir is a significant water body in the region. It plays a crucial role in the Volga–Baltic Waterway, serving both cruise and cargo traffic. The reservoir is connected to other water systems through the Northern Dvina Canal and the Belozersky Canal, facilitating transportation and trade. The…

Lake Lough Neagh, a prominent freshwater lake located in Northern Ireland, is distinguished as the largest lake both on the island of Ireland and within the United Kingdom. Encompassing a vast area of 151 square miles (392 square kilometers), the lake extends approximately 19 miles (31 km) in length and 9 miles (14 km) in width. Its significant role is underscored by its contribution to the region's water supply, accounting for 40.7% of Northern Ireland's drinking water. The lake's primary water sources include the Upper River Bann and the Blackwater River, while its main outflow is the Lower Bann. Lough Neagh is dotted with several small islands such as Ram's Island, Coney Island, and Derrywarragh Island, adding to its geographic diversity. The lake bed is under the ownership of the…

Lake Kubenskoye, a notable natural lake located in Vologda Oblast, Russia, is renowned for its expansive and shallow waters. Covering a total area of 648 square kilometers, of which 407 square kilometers are free from islands, this lake stands out as a prominent geographical feature in the region. The lake stretches impressively over 54 kilometers in a northwest to southeast direction, with a maximum width of 12 kilometers. The lake's surface is situated at an elevation of 110.1 meters above sea level, making it a significant water body in the area. Despite its vast surface area, Lake Kubenskoye is relatively shallow, with an average depth of just 1.2 meters. However, its maximum depth can reach between 10 to 13 meters in certain areas. The lake is known for its dynamic…

Lake Razelm, also known as Lake Razim, is a significant freshwater lagoon located on the Black Sea coast in Romania. Positioned south of the renowned Danube Delta, it forms part of the Delta's World Heritage Site and is recognized as Romania's largest liman, or coastal lagoon. The lake extends over an impressive area of 511 square kilometers, making it a notable geographical feature in the region. Geographic and Ecological Features Lake Razelm is a part of a larger complex of limans and lagoons, which collectively span approximately 1,000 square kilometers. This complex is divided into two distinct subgroups. The northern subgroup comprises Lake Razelm and Lake Golovița, connected by a channel that is about 3.1 kilometers wide. On the other hand, the southern subgroup consists of several saltwater lakes. Lake…