© Getty Images

What are lakes? -

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.

© Shutterstock

From backyard puddles to inland seas -

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. 

© Shutterstock

The wonders of lake depth -

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!

© Getty Images

Different elevations -

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.

© Shutterstock

The life cycle of lakes -

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.

© Shutterstock

The life cycle of lakes -

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. 

© Shutterstock

Human influence -

Unsurprisingly, human activity can accelerate this “aging” dramatically, reducing the timeline to mere decades.

© Getty Images

Lake Zaysan -

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.

© Shutterstock

Lake Zaysan -

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).

© Getty Images

Lake Zaysan -

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.

© Shutterstock

Lake Baikal -

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.

© Getty Images

Lake Baikal -

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). 

© Getty Images

Lake Baikal -

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.

© Getty Images

Issyk-Kul Lake -

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.

© Shutterstock

Issyk-Kul Lake -

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. 

© Shutterstock

Issyk-Kul Lake -

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.

© Shutterstock

Lake Maracaibo -

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.

© Getty Images

Lake Maracaibo -

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.

© Getty Images

Lake Maracaibo -

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.

© Getty Images

Vostok Lake -

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.

© Shutterstock

Vostok Lake -

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).

© Shutterstock

Vostok Lake -

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. 

© Shutterstock

Lake Biwa -

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.

© Getty Images

Lake Biwa -

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.

© Getty Images

Lake Biwa -

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.

© Getty Images

Lake Ohrid -

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. 

© Getty Images

Lake Ohrid -

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.

© Getty Images

Lake Ohrid -

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. 

© Shutterstock

Treasures worth protecting -

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 

© Getty Images