What is the name and location of the largest lake in Europe. The largest freshwater lake in Europe - Lake Ladoga
Lake Ladoga stretches from north to south for 219 kilometers and reaches a width of 138 kilometers, and its depth reaches 230 meters. The lake supplies drinking water to St. Petersburg - the largest northern city in the world.
The water in the lake is very cold, clear, almost without mineral salts. The lake suffers from industrial effluents, but so far it is coping with pollution. Many species of the salmon family live here - lovers of clean water.
The basin of Lake Ladoga includes about 50 thousand lakes and 3.5 thousand rivers with a total length of about 45 thousand km. Water in Lake Ladoga is carried by tributaries from the Republic of Karelia, Leningrad, Novgorod, Pskov, Tver, Arkhangelsk and even Vitebsk regions, Finland. The Neva is the only river flowing from Lake Ladoga, it flows into the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea
The lake significantly affects the weather: the climate of the Ladoga territories can be called transitional from continental to maritime.
Ladoga is changeable: the calm is replaced by raging winds, the lake often "sea-like" storms. The waves reach 2 m, and the highest one that was recorded rose by 5.8 m. “The lake is stormy and filled with stones,” the researchers wrote about Ladoga.
The exuberant nature of the lake is easily explained by its structure. It is located on the border of the Baltic Crystalline Shield and the Russian Platform.
The basin of Lake Ladoga was formed by a glacier about 12 thousand years ago. The southern part of the bottom is flat, calm, the depths do not exceed 60 m, mounds and depressions are noted in the central part, they reach up to 230 m in the northern depth, the bottom is strongly indented - underwater ledges break down at a right angle. A sharp drop in altitude breaks the waves going south from the northern depths. A complex system of waves arises that add up, cancel each other out or move in several directions at once.
Navigation along Ladoga was very risky, so the lake was surrounded on the south side by bypass channels convenient for navigation, the construction of which began under Peter I. Before the opening of the northern route through Arkhangelsk, Russia and Western Europe connected the Varangian Way along Ladoga.
Today the lake attracts lovers water trips, but even experienced tourists stick to the shore in order to take refuge in one of its many bays in case of bad weather.
Northern Ladoga is known for its skerries: steep cliffs, bays deeply protruding into the mainland, rocky islands, of which there are about 650 on the lake. Skerries stretch in a strip of 6-25 km along the northern shore of Ladoga and are considered one of the most picturesque regions of the North-West of Russia.
Russian Geographical Society; Evgenia Sorookoletova
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There are about 5 million lakes in the world, but we have only heard of a few of the largest. Do you think Baikal is the most big lake in the world? In fact, Baikal occupies only the 7th line in the ranking of the largest lakes!
Did you know that the area of the largest lake on the planet is equal to the area of 52 million football fields and is comparable to the area of Moscow multiplied by 150 times? Not? Then read below!
No. 10. Great Slave Lake - 28,930 square kilometers. North America.
The Great Slave Lake is the 10th largest lake in the world by area, and it is also the deepest lake in North America. Its depth is 614 meters. The dimensions of the Great Slave Lake are 480 km long, 19-109 km wide, and the area is 28,930 square kilometers.
From October to June, the lake is covered with ice; in winter, the ice can withstand the weight of trucks. Rivers flowing into the lake: Hay, Slave, Snowdrift, etc. The Mackenzie River flows out of the lake. The origin of the lake is glacial-tectonic.
No. 9. Lake Nyasa - 30,044 square kilometers. East Africa.
Lake Nyasa (Malawi) is the ninth largest lake in the world. Lake Nyasa fills a crack in earth's crust in the Great Rift Valley East Africa, located between Mozambique and Tanzania. The length of the lake is 560 km, the depth is 706 m. Nyasa contains 7% of the world's reserves of liquid fresh water.
Nyasa is known for its rich ecosystem, many of the species found in the lake are endemic. The origin of the lake is tectonic.
No. 8. Big Bear Lake - 31,080 square kilometers. Canada.
The Great Bear Lake is located 200 km south of the Arctic Circle in Canada. The lake ranks eighth in area in the world and fourth in North America. The dimensions of the lake: length - 320 km, width - 175 km, maximum depth - 446 m.
The lake has not much good story. Uranium was found here. It was from here that uranium was mined for the manufacture of bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The lake is almost always covered with ice, the ice rarely melts before the end of July. The origin of the lake is glacial-tectonic.
No. 7. Lake Baikal - 31,500 square kilometers. Eastern Siberia.
Baikal is the deepest lake in the world, the largest water reservoir, which contains 20% of the world's liquid fresh water. Baikal is also considered one of the cleanest lakes in the world.
The lake ranks seventh in terms of area in the world and first in terms of volume. The dimensions of the lake are: length - 636 km, width - 80 km, maximum depth - 1642 m, volume - 23,600 km3.
The origin of the lake is tectonic, the age is more than 25 million years. The fauna of Lake Baikal is one of the most unique in the world, many species are endemic.
No. 6. Lake Tanganyika - 32,893 square kilometers. Central Africa.
Lake Tanganyika is one of the deepest lakes in the world, along with Lake Baikal. The lake lies between 4 countries - the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Zambia and Burundi.
The dimensions of the lake are: length - 676 km, width - 72 km, maximum depth - 1470 m, volume - 18,900 km3. The origin of the lake is tectonic.
Tanganyika lies in the deepest tectonic basin in Africa and enters the basin of the Congo River, one of largest rivers in the world.
No. 5. Lake Michigan - 58,016 square kilometers. North America.
Lake Michigan is one of the Great Lakes. This lake is the largest of the lakes located entirely within the United States. Michigan is the fifth largest in the world and the third among the Great Lakes. The volume of the lake is 4918 m3, length - 494 km, width - 190 km, maximum depth - 281 m. The origin of the lake is glacial-tectonic.
No. 4. Lake Huron - 59,596 square kilometers North America.
Lake Huron is one of the Great Lakes. This lake is located on the territory of two countries: the USA and Canada. Huron is the fourth largest lake in the world. The volume of the lake is 3538 m3, length - 331 km, width - 295 km, maximum depth - 229 m. The origin of the lake is glacial-tectonic.
No. 3. Lake Victoria - 69,485 square kilometers. East Africa.
Lake Victoria is located in Tanzania, Kenya. After the construction of the Owen Falls Dam in 1954, the lake was turned into a reservoir. There are many islands on the lake. Fishing is developed on the lake and there are many ports on the territory of the three countries. On the island of Rubondo (Tanzania) formed national park.
Victoria is the third largest lake in the world. The volume of the lake is 2760 m3, the length is 320 km, the width is 274 km, the maximum depth is 80 m. The origin of the lake is tectonic.
The lake was discovered and named after Queen Victoria by British traveler John Henning Speke in 1858.
No. 2. Lake Superior - 82,414 square kilometers. North America.
Lake Superior is the second largest in the world and the largest among the Great Lakes, located on the border of the United States and Canada. The volume of the lake is 12,000 m3, length - 563 km, width - 257 km, maximum depth - 406 m. The origin of the lake is glacial-tectonic.
Etymology of the name. In the Ojibwe language, the lake is called Gichigami, which means "big water".
No. 1. Caspian Sea - 371,000 square kilometers. Europe Asia.
The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water on Earth and is classified as the largest lake or sea due to its size. Located at the junction of Europe and Asia. Volume - 78,200 m3, length - 1200 km, width - 435 km, maximum depth - 1025 m. The coastline of the Caspian Sea is approximately 6500 kilometers long.
130 rivers flow into the Caspian Sea, the largest of them are the Volga, Terek, Sulak, Ural, Kura, Artek, etc. The Caspian Sea washes the shores of Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Russia, Azerbaijan.
The origin of the lake is oceanic.
What is the most large lake Europe? The answer to this question can be obtained by reading this article.
Lakes of Europe
It is worth noting that in Europe there are not so many. Almost all of them are located on flat terrain. The soils around them are rich in various organic matter. It would not be superfluous to say that it is thanks to these reservoirs that the nearby lands are moistened, which significantly increases their productivity. However, touching on the issue of water bodies, it is very interesting to know which is the largest lake in Europe. In order to answer it, we need to consider some of them.
Ladoga lake
This reservoir is located in Leningrad region and the Republic of Karelia. Its area is 18 thousand square meters. km. The length is 220 km, and the distance between the banks is about 130 km. If you pay attention to its size, it will immediately become clear which is the largest lake in Europe. It is also worth knowing that given fact recognized officially.
On the shores of this largest lake there are cities such as Priozersk, Shlisselburg and others. Falls into it a large number of rivers, the largest is the Svir, and there are also 3 bays.
The climate above the lake is temperate maritime and continental, which means that a small amount of sun rays and heat, as a result, moisture evaporates rather slowly. average temperature+16 ˚С in summer, -9 ˚С in winter with westerly winds.
The bottom relief goes to add depth from south to north, because of this it is impossible to measure the depth evenly, the approximate one varies from 70 to 230 m. The lake ranks 8th in the category of the deepest reservoirs in Russia.
Ladoga has many islands, the largest are Kilpota, Valaam, Riekkalansari. Speaking about flora and fauna, it is worth noting that the coast of the lake belongs to the zones of the middle and southern taiga. Maples, lindens, spruce forests grow. On the islands you can find thickets of lingonberries, blueberries, there are even mushrooms. There are also a large number of water plants. There are many in the area freshwater fish e.g. salmon, pike, perch, trout, rudd.
Lake Onega
Looking for an answer to the question of which is the largest lake in Europe, it is necessary to consider Onega. It is located on and is considered the second largest after Ladoga. Most of The reservoir is located on the territory of Karelia.
The area of the lake reaches almost 10 thousand square meters. km, and the length stretched for 245 km, the width between opposite banks is about 92 km. The depth is uneven, ranging from 70 to 127 m. A huge number of rivers flow into the lake, among them: Volda, Suna, Yani, Pizhei, Pyalma and many others. The number of islands is more than one and a half thousand.
Geese, swans and ducks are found in the thickets along the banks, which are covered with heavily passable forests of the taiga. A large number of fish live in the waters, such as salmon, sterlet, trout, bream, pike perch, pike. Fishing is very developed.
AT recent times the lake began to be intensively polluted, especially its northern part, due to the industrial centers located on it. There are 2 ports along the banks - Petrozavodsk and Medvezhyegorsk, there are also piers and stopping points.
Lake Vänern
Vänern is a lake located in Sweden. If you compose comparative characteristic, which is the largest lake in Europe, then this body of water will be in third place, skipping ahead Ladoga and Onega. The depth of the reservoir ranges from 20 to 110 m. Its area is more than 5.5 thousand square meters. km, the length is approximately 140 km, and the width is 80 km. The shores of Vänern are mostly low, there are islands, the largest of them are Kollandse, Hammar, Turse and many other smaller ones.
More than 30 rivers flow into the lake, among them Klarelven, Geta Canal. This reservoir is navigable, there are ports, the largest are Kristinehamn and Karlstad, Mariestdad and Lidkoping. Fisheries are well developed. In the waters of the lake live such species of fish as perch, pike perch, trout and some others. Between January and May, Vänern is shrouded in ice.
So, having studied the information about some large reservoirs, now each student will be able to understand which is the largest lake in Europe - Onega, Ladoga or Venern.
Natural attractions are scattered all over the planet and attract tourists, no less than museums and architectural objects of antiquity. In the list of the most visited objects, lakes occupy a leading position. The picturesque corners of the Earth delight the eye and allow you to relax in the bosom of nature. Some are impressive in their size and resemble the sea, since it is not possible to see the opposite coast.
Lakes are also a source of fresh water, vital arteries of their regions. Nature reserves can exist next to them, enterprises can be built nearby, organized excursion tours. The economy and tourism are often directly linked to the lakes and their surroundings. As for the environmental component, it also recent decades much attention is being given.
The largest lakes on earth
List, photo with titles and description
Caspian Sea (436,000 km²)
It is located on the territory of five states at once, including Russia. Its water is brackish. Five rivers flow. The water level fluctuates at around 27 meters below sea level. There is large peninsulas and about fifty islands different sizes. On the coast there are port and resort cities, as well as smaller settlements. Animal and vegetable worlds varied. The climate and water temperature are changeable.
Upper (82100 km²)
It is located in the United States and Canada, is part of the Great Lakes system. Of the fresh - the largest in the world. The Nipigon River flows in, Saint Mary's flows out. The depth is impressive and in some places reaches four hundred meters. Although the temperatures here are not high, the surface is not covered with ice even for winter period as opposed to the coastline. There are several ports. There are many relatively rare species fish.
Victoria (68870 km²)
It is located on the territory of three South African countries. The average depth is about forty meters. The water is fresh. Since 1954, when the dam was built, it has actually been turned into a reservoir. There's a lot small islands. The Kagera River flows in, the White Nile flows out. The average air temperature in the lake area is +20-+22°C. There are two rainy seasons in a year. Fishing and an increase in the population on the coast have led to a deterioration in the ecological situation.
Huron (59600 km²)
It is located in the United States and Canada, is part of the Great Lakes system. The Strait of Mackinac connects it to neighboring Lake Michigan. The St. Marys River flows in, the St. Clair flows out. The average depth is within sixty meters. There are many islands and bays. Since the middle of the last century, the fish population has been recovering, fry are being released, and representatives of the authorities are closely monitoring the ecological background.
Michigan (58,000 km²)
The only one of the Great Lakes system located entirely in the United States. The Strait of Mackinac connects it to neighboring Lake Huron. The water is fresh. Max Depth- 281 meters. Height above sea level - 177 meters. Four months of the year the surface is covered with ice. There are quite large islands, and there are several cities on the coast.
Tanganyika (32600 km²)
Situated on the territory four countries in Central Africa. Most long lake of freshwater on the planet. Included in the Congo Basin. The depth at the bottom reaches 1470 meters. The water temperature on the surface is from +24°C. The fauna is represented by two thousand species, of which almost a third lives in a limited area. Fishing and waste dumping in the northern part of the lake has led to its pollution.
Baikal (31500 km²)
Located in Russia. The largest freshwater in Europe. Many rivers flow in, but only one flows out - the Neva. Natural attractions are located in its water area. various types, including the Nizhnesvirsky Reserve. There are also architectural monuments. Also memorials. Among the islands, Valaam is more famous than others. Shipping is developed, used in economic activity and tourism.
Balkhash (16400 km²)
Located in Kazakhstan. Part of the reservoir is freshwater, part is salt water. These zones are separated by a narrow strait. Several rivers flow. The average depth is less than six meters. With each of four sides light lake surrounded different types terrain. East - sandy massif, west - desert, south - mountains, north - steppe. The fauna is small both in species and in total.
East (12500 km²)
Located in Antarctica. The largest of the subglacial. Nearby is the Russian station of the same name. The absolute depth is more than 1200 meters. The water temperature reaches +10°C, the heating comes from underground geothermal sources. To get to the lake, I had to spend a decade, make accurate calculations and drill a well. Research on water and the microorganisms living in it continues.
Lake Onega (9720 km²)
Located in Russia. Many rivers flow into the water area, more than one and a half thousand islands. The average depth is 30 meters. Part of the coast is swampy, part is covered taiga forests. There are two ports and several settlements of different status. Lots of fish, including rare breeds. Because the lake is industrial enterprises the ecological state of the territory is deteriorating.
Titicaca (8372 km²)
Located in Peru and Bolivia. The largest in terms of fresh water reserves in the region. There are several cities and towns on the coast, there are settlements of aborigines who have preserved many traditions, including economic ones, of their ancestors. Shipping is developed. The average depth is 107 meters. Height above sea level - 3812 meters. About three hundred rivers flow in, and only Desaguadero flows out.
Nicaragua (8264 km²)
Located in the country of the same name. Among freshwater - the only place where you can meet sharks. The average depth is 13 meters. On the surface there are large waves, sometimes there are storms. The islands are numerous, united in groups. The Tipitapa River flows in, and the San Juan flows out. Nicaragua is connected to the Caribbean through a shipping channel. A canal between the oceans is also under construction, which will pass through the lake.
Athabasca (7850 km²)
Located in Canada. The greatest depth is 124 meters. The Slave and Mackenzie rivers flow out, and the Athabasca flows into it. Deposits of uranium and gold were discovered on the coast, which led to the emergence of mines and active mining, but in the early 80s of the last century, work was curtailed. On the south coast there are sand dunes. There are more than twenty species of fish in the lake.
Taimyr (6990 km²)
It is located in Russia on the peninsula of the same name beyond the Arctic Circle. Climate zone– tundra with occasional areas of permafrost. Several rivers flow into it, and Taimyr flows through it, which has an addition to the name "Upper" and "Lower" depending on its position. Arctic fish are found in the waters of the lake, the fauna is represented by a very small number of species.
Turkana (6405 km²)
Located in Kenya and Ethiopia. It has a second name - Rudolf. There are three islands in its water area. Several rivers flow in, none flow out. It is famous for its crocodiles, which are impressive in size and numerous. In the district in different periods important archaeological finds were made related to ancient people and the geography of the area.
Reindeer Lake (6330 km²)
Located in Canada. Origin - glacial. The average depth is 17 meters. From late spring to early summer, the surface is covered with ice. The lake has become a venue for sport fishing competitions. The coast is sparsely populated. One of the natural attractions is Deep Bay, which was formed due to the fall of a meteorite one hundred million years ago.
Issyk-Kul (6200 km²)
Located in Kyrgyzstan. Height above sea level - more than 1600 meters. The water is brackish. The lake is endorheic, and about eighty tributaries flow into it. There are four bays, each one is used but not actively. The climate is mixed - sea and mountain, which attracts tourists. Coastal settlements vary in size, but there are quite a few of them.
Urmia (6001 km²)
Located in Iran. The largest lake in the Middle and Near East. The water is salty. The lake is drainless. The greatest depth is 16 meters. There are over a hundred islands, some with pistachio forests. The surface does not freeze. Shipping is developed and active. The appearance of a dam in 2008 divided the water area into two parts and had a negative impact on the environment.
Vänern (5545 km²)
Located in Sweden. The largest in the country. From December it is covered with ice, it is on the surface until mid-spring, but the layer is not thick and periodically thaws. The average depth is 27 meters. There are small islands in the water area, there are three large ones. They, like the lake, are included in the national park. Approximately 30 rivers flow. Major ports are used all year round. Developed fishing.
Winnipegosis (5403 km²)
Located in Canada. The average depth is about 12 meters. Altitude above sea level - 254 meters. On the coast there are three large settlements. Developed fishing. There are a sufficient number of fish species, but the emphasis is on trout. Since there were some problems with the environment, the authorities created two reserves in the district and are engaged in the restoration of populations of rare species.
Albert (5299 km²)
Located in Uganda and Democratic Republic Congo. Height above sea level - 615 meters. The distance to the deepest point from the surface is 58 meters. The bottom is mostly without sharp drops. Two rivers flow in - one flows out, which is a tributary of the Nile. Shipping is developed, but weak. There are many types of fish. Water temperature high whole year, reaches 30 °C.
Mweru (5120 km²)
Located in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Height above sea level - 917 meters. The average depth is about seven and a half meters. The water is fresh. The largest flowing river is the Luapula. Flowing - Luvois. The rainy season has little effect on the water level in the lake, which makes it different from other reservoirs in the region. There are many fishing villages along the coast.
Nettilling (5066 km²)
Located in Canada. Height above sea level - 30 meters. The average depth is 20 meters. He is fed shallow rivers, as well as Lake Amadzhuak, located in a southerly direction. The eastern part is shallow and includes three bays. Since ice is almost always here, it is difficult for fish to survive here. adapted to local conditions only three types. Caribou live near the lake.
For those travelers who prefer the calmness of smooth water to the raging waves, and pure forest air to the Mediterranean breeze, then a holiday on European lakes is your choice. Everything is here: amazing nature, and ancient castles, and thermal complexes, and sandy beaches, and, importantly, the absence of frantic crowds of tourists and affordable prices. Today we will talk about the famous lakes of Europe, where you can comfortably relax.
The largest lake in the Alps Lake Geneva, located on the border and France. The water of the lake is clean, but rather cool: you can only swim in it in July and August. The entrance to the water is a platform, the beach is grassy lawns. But tourists love this place not for the beach, but for the cleanest air, very warm climate in addition, the contrast of subtropical vegetation with snow-capped mountain peaks is also very tempting. Lake Geneva is famous for its mountain mineral springs. miraculous properties known since the 18th century. The county has a number of world famous private medical institutions practicing advanced medical techniques. Connoisseurs of beauty will not be bored here either: the picturesque Chillon Castle is located nearby, you can also go on a cheese or wine tasting tour.
One of the famous lakes in Europe - Lake Heviz, in Hungary, is the largest thermal reservoir in the European part. In general, in Hungary there is another equally famous Lake Balaton, but if you can swim in Balaton only in summer, then in Heviz the water is warm all year round. The summer water temperature of Heviz is 34 degrees, in winter - 26. The lake is dotted with water lilies all year round and looks great. It is powered by a powerful underground source, so powerful that it renews itself every 28 hours. This bathing is good for health, not less than mud protsudera, because lake brine is rich in estrogen and iodine. You can supplement your vacation with a cultural program, for example, go on an excursion to the castle with a hundred Festić rooms, visit the Balaton Museum, the Puppet Museum, the Marzipan Museum.
The next lake in Europe - Techirghiol, in Romania, is very unusual, since on the one hand it is a sea, and on the other a fresh lake. Between the two reservoirs there is a thin bridge of land with the resorts of Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud. A wonderful alternative to go to the lake in the morning, and in the afternoon to the sea, where else is this possible? In Techirghiol, the water is healing, it will help with rheumatic diseases, as well as skin problems. By the way, the effectiveness of the impact of Techirghiol waters is compared with waters Dead Sea. The lake maintains its popularity thanks to the famous Ana Asian Health SPA, located on the shore, where author's rejuvenation techniques are used.
Another wonderful European corner - german city Lindau with the wonderful Lake Constance. Actually the lake itself consists of the Upper and Lower, they are connected by the river Rhine. The lake is navigable, there is a ferry crossing. On its banks are the beautiful German towns of Konstanz, Friedrichshafen, and the Austrian city of Bregenz, and the island of Reichenau is a monument world heritage. The nearest airports to Lake Constance are in Stuttgart and Zurich, the journey to them by car will take no more than two hours. Get to the Bodensee railway it is more convenient to land at Konstanz, Friedrichshavn or Lindau - although these stations are small, they have excellent communication. A popular tourist attraction in the area lake constance, deservedly considered the Rhine Falls on the Swiss side. There are ample opportunities for active rest and spa treatment, a considerable number of cultural attractions.
The next lake in Europe is Mazury in Poland. The Masurian Lakes are very popular among kayakers and yachtsmen, because they are two thousand large and small lakes, interconnected by rivers, locks, canals. Resort towns - Mikolajki, Gizhitsko, Vengozhevo - beautifully settled along the banks. If you are with children, then it is better to stay in Mikolajki, there is an excellent water park and a lot of good hotels, for connoisseurs of history, the historical regional center - Olsztyn is suitable. In any case, in all resorts you can charter a yacht, at fairly reasonable prices.
Residents of the Czech capital say that they don’t have to go to the sea at all, because they have Makhove Lake. An hour drive from Prague and they are already in place, on the shore the purest source surrounded by forest. In summer, the water warms up to twenty-two degrees, so swimming with children is also acceptable there. Moving from one beach to another is more reasonable to do on boats. Your leisure time here will diversify horseback riding and hiking, children will be amused by the amusement park.
