Preparing for the worst could save your life
Lakeside adventures are making a splash, thanks to a growing appreciation for the mental and physical perks of wild swimming. Whether it’s an Alpine lake shimmering beneath icy peaks or a tropical lagoon cocooned by jungle, lakes are nature’s way of helping us unwind, reconnect, and recharge. They also cater to thrill-seekers: imaging paddling across the Rockies’ serene waters, exploring a ghostly underwater forest in Kazakhstan, reeling in fish beneath Finland’s osprey-filled skies, or trekking to New Zealand’s crystal-clear aquatic gem. But, did you know that some of these lakes are more than 25 million years old?
Dive into the gallery to discover what are some of the oldest lakes on our planet. Click on!
Lakes are bodies of water completely surrounded by land, and with millions scattered across the globe, they exist in nearly every environment imaginable: perched atop mountains, nestled in deserts, stretching across plains, or resting near coastlines.
Lakes come in all shapes and sizes. Some are so tiny they’d barely take up space in your garden, often earning the title of “ponds.” On the other end of the spectrum, some lakes are so vast they’re dubbed seas, stretching as far as the eye can see.
Not all lakes are created equal when it comes to depth. At the extreme end is Lake Baikal in Russia, the deepest lake on Earth. In some places, its floor plunges nearly 2 kilometers (over 1 mile) below the surface!
Lakes can be found at astonishingly varied elevations, and one of the loftiest is Lake Titicaca. Perched 3,810 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level in the Andes Mountains, between Bolivia and Peru, this high-altitude wonder literally takes your breath away.
Lakes evolve over time, much like humans. From their youthful beginnings to mature stability, eventual old age, and even "death," lakes pass through distinct life stages, constantly changing and reshaping the landscape around them.
Over time, every lake slowly fades away as its basin fills with sediment and plant debris. Naturally, this process unfolds at a glacial pace, spanning hundreds or even millions of years.
Unsurprisingly, human activity can accelerate this “aging” dramatically, reducing the timeline to mere decades.
Nestled in Kazakhstan, Lake Zaysan stands as one of Asia’s most ancient lakes being 65-70 million years old! Nourished by the Black Irtysh River, it sustains a bustling fishing industry and is framed by semi-arid beauty and breathtaking landscapes.
When winter arrives, Lake Zaysan transforms into a frozen wonderland. The lake’s surface freezes over, while its waters reach a maximum depth of 15 meters (49 feet).
Lake Zaysan is a biodiversity hotspot and an essential source of water for the region. For thousands of years, this natural treasure has supported local communities, offering both sustenance and vital resources—a testament to its enduring importance in the region.
Spanning an astonishing 25 million years, Lake Baikal holds about 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater. It’s home to the rare Baikal seal and over 1,700 species of plants and animals, many of which aren't found anywhere else on Earth.
Each winter, Lake Baikal transforms into a breathtaking ice kingdom. Its surface freezes solid enough to support vehicles, while its crystal-clear waters beneath offer astonishing visibility, reaching depths of up to 40 meters (131 feet).
The lake is dotted with 27 islands, the most prominent being Olkhon Island, a cultural and geographical gem. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this natural wonder is nourished by 336 rivers and streams, with the mighty Angara River standing out as its sole outflow.
About 25 million years old and tucked away in the Kyrgyz Republic, Issyk-Kul Lake stands proudly as one of the largest and deepest lakes on Earth. Despite its breathtaking mountain surroundings, this lake retains a touch of saltiness, adding to its unique charm.
True to its name, which translates to “warm lake” in Kyrgyz, Issyk-Kul defies harsh winters by staying unfrozen, thanks to its depth and salinity. Beyond its warmth, this extraordinary lake serves as a vital natural resource, teeming with unique flora and fauna.
The shores of Issyk-Kul are dotted with health resorts and spas that tap into the lake’s mineral-rich waters for therapeutic treatments. Offering a blend of natural beauty and rejuvenation, these wellness retreats make Issyk-Kul a sought-after destination for relaxation and healing.
Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela, around 20 million years old, is a marvel of nature and industry. Connected to the Caribbean Sea, it’s famous for its abundant petroleum reserves and the Catatumbo lightning phenomenon, which electrifies the skies over 200 nights a year.
Lake Maracaibo thrives as a sanctuary for diverse bird species and is encircled by lush, fertile farmland. However, its natural beauty and ecological importance are overshadowed by the toll of extensive oil extraction, which has caused severe pollution in the region.
For thousands of years, the basin of Lake Maracaibo has been a cradle of life and culture. Its rich history and ecological importance make it a remarkable testament to the enduring connection between humans and nature in the region.
Just beneath Russia’s Vostok Station in Antarctica lies the immense Vostok Subglacial Lake, the largest of its kind. Discovered by Soviet Antarctic Expeditions in 1993, this ancient lake—buried under 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) of ice—is estimated to be a staggering 15–25 million years old.
In 2012, Russian scientists reached the surface of Vostok Lake through drilling, retrieving frozen water samples. Research revealed its impressive size: stretching 250 kilometers (155 miles) in length, 50 kilometers (31 miles) in width, and plunging to a maximum depth of 900 meters (2,953 feet).
Isolated for millions of years beneath Antarctica's ice, Vostok Lake offers a unique opportunity to study ancient climate conditions and the potential for microbial survival in extreme environments.
Lake Biwa, nestled in Shiga Prefecture near Kyoto, is Japan’s largest freshwater lake and a true natural marvel. At an astounding 4 million years old, it ranks among the world’s oldest lakes, serving as a vital water source for a staggering 15 million people.
Lake Biwa is celebrated as a biodiversity hotspot, teeming with unique endemic species that underscore its ecological importance. Recognized globally, it has also earned the prestigious designation of a UNESCO Ramsar Wetland.
Lake Biwa serves as a crucial migratory stopover for water birds, playing a vital role in their journeys. Despite the pressures of urbanization and pollution, Lake Biwa remains a beloved symbol of Japan.
Lake Ohrid, with origins tracing back to pre-glacial times, stands as a remarkable natural phenomenon. Renowned for its conservation value, it serves as a vital refuge for a plethora of endemic and relict freshwater species of flora and fauna, some of which date back to the Tertiary period.
Formed through tectonic activity, the lake has endured for an incredible two to three million years. Its oligotrophic waters, exceptionally low in nutrients, foster a unique ecosystem that harbors over 200 endemic species of plants and animals.
Perched on the shores of Lake Ohrid, the town of Ohrid boasts a rich history as one of Europe’s oldest human settlements. Its heritage shines through the centuries, with much of the town constructed between the 7th and 19th centuries.
Lakes stand as some of Earth’s most precious and picturesque natural resources, which is why experts emphasize the importance of keeping them clean and pollution-free to preserve their invaluable benefits for future generations.
Sources: (National Geographic) (UNESCO) (Study.com)
See also: The environmental impact of dams
The oldest lakes in the world
Nature’s ancient gems
TRAVEL Nature
Lakeside adventures are making a splash thanks to a growing appreciation for the mental and physical perks of wild swimming. Whether it’s an Alpine lake shimmering beneath icy peaks or a tropical lagoon cocooned by jungle, lakes are nature’s way of helping us unwind, reconnect, and recharge. They also cater to thrill-seekers: imagine paddling across the Rockies’ serene waters, exploring a ghostly underwater forest in Kazakhstan, reeling in fish beneath Finland’s osprey-filled skies, or trekking to New Zealand’s crystal-clear aquatic gem. But, did you know that some of these lakes are more than 25 million years old?
Dive into the gallery to discover some of the oldest lakes on our planet. Click on!