Which is the Largest fresh water lake in the world?
VerifiedAnswer: Lake Baikal
Explanation:
Lake Baikal, located in southern Siberia, Russia, holds the remarkable distinction of being the world's largest freshwater lake by volume. This ancient lake contains approximately 20% of the world's unfrozen freshwater, making it an incredibly significant natural resource for our planet.
What makes Lake Baikal truly exceptional is its incredible depth. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 1,642 meters (5,387 feet), making it not only the deepest lake in the world but also deeper than many ocean floors. Its average depth is about 744 meters, which contributes significantly to its massive water volume of approximately 23,615 cubic kilometers.
The lake stretches 636 kilometers in length and varies between 27 to 81 kilometers in width. While the Caspian Sea is larger by surface area, it's technically a saltwater body, making Lake Baikal the undisputed champion among freshwater lakes. Lake Superior in North America, though larger by surface area, contains significantly less water due to its much shallower depth.
Lake Baikal is also remarkably old, estimated to be between 25-30 million years old, making it one of the most ancient lakes on Earth. This age has allowed for the evolution of unique species found nowhere else in the world. The lake is home to over 1,700 species of plants and animals, with about two-thirds of these being endemic to the region, including the famous Baikal seal.
The water quality of Lake Baikal is exceptionally pure, with visibility extending up to 40 meters deep in some areas. This clarity is maintained by tiny crustaceans called copepods that act as natural filters, consuming algae and bacteria. The lake's water is so clean that it can be consumed directly in many areas.
