Lake Baikal, located in Siberia, Russia, is the world's deepest freshwater lake and holds a fascinating mysteryit doesn’t freeze in some parts, even during the harsh Siberian winters. Despite temperatures dropping to as low as -40°C (-40°F), the lake’s core remains unfrozen due to its unique features. The lake is so deep (about 1,642 meters/5,387 feet deep) and so vast that its water retains heat even in the coldest months. As a result, some areas of the lake stay in liquid form while the surface near the edges may freeze, creating a rare and striking visual contrast.

Baikal’s Uniqueness and Biodiversity

Lake Baikal is not only notable for its temperature anomalies but also for its incredible biodiversity. It is home to more than 1,700 species of plants and animals, two-thirds of which cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. The lake's unique ecosystem has made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Baikal’s clear waters are also home to the famous Baikal seal, the only freshwater seal species in the world. This combination of geological and biological wonder makes Lake Baikal one of the most extraordinary and well-preserved natural environments on the planet. Shutdown123