Interesting things on the web! The cleanest lake in the world, but entering its waters is strictly prohibited! The cleanest lake

Measuring water transparency

It is customary to determine water transparency using a simple device - a Seki disk. This is a white disk with a diameter of 30 centimeters, which is lowered into the water in a horizontal position. The observer notes to what depth the white spot of the disk remains visible under water - this will be the result of the transparency measurement. The disk can be replaced with an electric light bulb, but then you need to take into account the correction by first carrying out a calibration measurement.

Today, in most of our seas, the water is not very transparent, to put it mildly. Here are some recorded results of water transparency measurements: Sargasso Sea - 66 m, Mediterranean Sea (off the coast of Syria) - 60 m, Black Sea - 77 m, North Sea - 22 m.

The ten places on the planet with the clearest water are as follows:

Places on the planet with the clearest water

  • Maldives. The water here is so clear that from a boat you can see your shadow at the bottom of the sea.
  • “Lake of Five Colors”, China, Jiuzhaigou Valley. The bottom of the lake is covered with a kind of carpet formed from the trunks of ancient trees, which are covered with a layer of clear water.
  • Sardinia, the second largest island of the Mediterranean Sea. A popular holiday destination for tourists, as well as a habitat for many rare fish species.
  • Crater Lake, Oregon. Formed about 7 thousand years ago as a result of a volcanic explosion.
  • Piccaninnie Ponds, Australia. The territory of the reserve; to dive into the water here you must obtain a special permit.
  • Lake Mashu, Japan. It is located at the foot of the mountain of the same name, from which it gets its name. The transparency of the water in the lake is 41.6 meters.
  • Lake Sheosar, Pakistan. Surrounded by mountains, this picturesque lake is so perfect in shape that it can be mistaken for the creation of human hands.
  • Peyto Lake, Canada. Located in Banff National Park at an altitude of 1860 meters, it is fed by glacier waters. The lake is named after the explorer who discovered it, Bill Peyto.
  • Lake Baikal, Russia. The deepest lake in the world. In spring, the water transparency in the lake is 40 meters.

Weddell Sea

And now - a record holder. The clearest water in the world is in the Weddell Sea, which is located off the coast of Antarctica. The measurements were carried out by members of the West German expedition from the Polarstern ship at a point with coordinates 7° 23.6´ S. 15° 2.5´ W A standard white disc lowered into the water remained visible up to an unprecedentedly high mark - 79 meters! For comparison, in distilled water this value is 80 meters.

Consequently, the sea water in this place turned out to be perfectly clean. It is worth noting that this measurement was carried out in October, when it is spring in Antarctica, and the water during this period is the cleanest. In summer, algae multiply in the water and small animals appear, and water clarity decreases.

Lakes- natural reservoirs of water not connected to the World Ocean. Since ancient times, people have settled on their banks and used these reservoirs for household and drinking needs. However, the impact of human activities on lakes is much greater than on rivers.

The water in such reservoirs changes much more slowly, so many lakes, including those classified as natural attractions, are heavily polluted. For this reason, the cleanest lakes in the world are located in inaccessible areas far from human settlements.

Which lake is the cleanest and most transparent in the world?

Several bodies of water located in different parts of the world are competing for the title of “cleanest lake.”

Blue - there is no equal in purity

Until recently, Baikal was considered the cleanest lake on Earth. However, recently he was moved from this unofficial pedestal Blue Lake V .

Its name in the Maori language is Rotomairewhenua, meaning "lake of peaceful land".

In 2011, research conducted by scientists showed that it is Blue Lake that deserves to bear the title of the cleanest lake. In terms of its transparency, the waters in Blue Lake are comparable to distilled water, and the visibility of the water column is approximately 80 meters.

Blue Lake is fed by the waters of a neighboring lake Constance, in which they undergo a kind of filtration. The water in Blue Lake changes completely within 24 hours. Due to the landslide rocks that make up the bottom of the reservoir, the water in it has different shades:

  • Blue;
  • Emerald;
  • The rarest violet the color that distinguishes the cleanest bodies of water.

The lake is located on New Zealand's largest island - South Island. Swimming and diving in Blue Lake are strictly prohibited not only because of its unique purity, but also because of its sacred status among the local Maori aborigines.

Bowman - crystal transparency

The most transparent Lake Bowman, Montana, is considered the world's lake. A small reservoir with an area of ​​less than 10 km² is located in the reserve Glacier.

The water in this lake is so clear that you can see every pebble at the bottom. The high transparency of Lake Bowman is maintained due to the fact that there is practically there are no tourists, although visiting the lake is not prohibited.

A dirt road leads to the lake, and on its coast there is a campsite where anyone can book a boat ride on the water or fishing.

In addition to its extraordinary appearance, the Lake of Five Flowers carries several more mysteries. For example, water level it never changes, although the neighboring lakes dry up in the summer. In addition, in winter the reservoir never freezes. All these factors influenced the lake to acquire a sacred status among local residents.

Peyto

Peyto Lake is located in Canadian Rockies, in the province of Alberta, . The alpine lake, located at an altitude of almost 2 km above sea level, is the most popular and famous among the lakes located entirely on Canadian territory.

Peyto gained its enormous popularity for the unusual color of the water in the spring.

When the mountain glaciers that feed the lake begin to melt, glacial flour gives the water pale turquoise color, which is found only in tropical seaside resorts.

Transparent turquoise water against the background of harsh mountains covered with coniferous forest creates several surreal painting. The shape of the lake is also unusual, resembling a wolf's head.

Largest lake system

Great Lakes, located on the border of the United States and Canada, is the largest lake system in the world, rivaled only by Lake Baikal in terms of water reserves. The lakes are of glacial origin and formed about 10 thousand years ago. The Great Lakes include:

  1. Lake Upper(the largest lake in the system);
  2. Huron;
  3. Michigan;
  4. Erie;
  5. Ontario.

Also, the Great Lakes system includes a lake that is small compared to the rest St. Clair, however, it does not directly apply to the Great Lakes. Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by area, second only to the salty Caspian Sea.

Hundreds of rivers and streams flow into the Great Lakes system, so the water in them has a normal color. A large number of people living on the shores of the lakes, vigorous economic and economic activity led to the fact that by the middle of the 20th century the waters of the lakes were heavily polluted.

Measures taken by the US and Canadian authorities have led to the water being significantly purified over the past decades.

Now environmental problems are largely left behind, and the lakes are home to many species of fish, including trout, which can only live in the purest water.

Finally, look at the interesting things video about the cleanest lake in the world:

We present to your attention a selection of 10 places with the cleanest and clearest water.

1. Maldives.
The Maldives is a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. There are a huge number of reasons for this: the sun, the sea, and the beautiful islands. The water here is so clear that while in a boat, you can see your shadow at the bottom of the sea.


2. Australia.
The water in this red stone cave is surprisingly clear. The only thing that distorts the view of the bottom is the light ripples formed by a nearby waterfall.


3. Lake of Five Colors, China.
This lake is located in the Jiuzhaigou Valley in the northern Chinese province of Sichuan. The lake of five colors is famous for its bottom, covered with a carpet of ancient trees, covered with a layer of clear water.


4. Sardinia.
Another popular place among tourists, you don’t even need to describe anything here, just look at the photo. The second largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is home to some of the world's rarest species of animals and fish.


5. Crater Lake.
Located in Oregon, Crater Lake was formed by the explosion of an ancient volcano about 7 thousand years ago.


6. Piccaninnie Ponds, Australia.
These ponds are a real nature reserve located in South Australia. You can dive into the water here only after receiving special permission, but it is worth it.


7. Lake Mashu.
Officially, this is one of the most transparent lakes in the world, taking its name from the mountain of the same name, at the foot of which it is located. The transparency of the water here reaches 41.6 meters.


8. Lake Sheosar, Pakistan.
Located in the northern part of Pakistan, this natural lake is so perfect that you would think it was the work of man. Surrounded by mountains, with animals walking along its shores, Lake Sheosar is deservedly considered one of the most picturesque places on the planet.


9. Lake Peyto.
The eye-catching turquoise of Peyto Lake is the work of a local glacier.


10. Lake Baikal.
Besides its purity, Lake Baikal is known as the deepest lake in the world. The world's second contender for this title, Lake Tanganyika, lags behind the leader by as much as 200 meters. In spring, the transparency of Baikal water is as much as 40 meters.

Water of a mesmerizing azure color, with visibility of several tens of meters - some bodies of water on the planet are still distinguished by incredible environmental indicators. They miraculously managed to escape the harmful influence of civilization; for thousands and millions of years, the water in them remains crystal clear. Some of the cleanest lakes and rivers on the planet are located in incredibly inaccessible places; to see them, tourists need to overcome a difficult path. Others, on the contrary, have long been centers of tourist life, which does not prevent them from maintaining their unique environmental indicators. All the cleanest bodies of water on the planet are incredibly beautiful and certainly deserve the attention of the most sophisticated travelers.


Crater Lake, USA

In the USA, in the state of Oregon, there is an incredibly beautiful Lake Crater, it was formed in the crater of an extinct volcano. This lake has become famous throughout the world for its unique deep blue water, which is considered one of the cleanest in the world. According to scientists, this lake was formed more than 7.5 thousand years ago, its average depth is about 350 meters. The size of the lake is also quite impressive, its length is about 9.6 km and its width is about 8 km.

This lake is one of the deepest not only in the United States, but also in North America. Several years ago, a national park was formed around the unique lake, and today interesting excursions are held around its territory. The main event for travelers remains the climb to the crater of an extinct volcano; this is the only way to see the beautiful lake with your own eyes. In recent years, the amazing nature reserve has been visited annually by about 400,000 tourists from all over the world.

The crystal clear lake attracts not only curious travelers, but also ecologists and researchers. Several years ago, a group of scientists conducted an interesting experiment here. The fact is that initially there were no species of fish in Lake Kreiter; environmentalists decided to introduce some species of trout and salmon here. Their experiment was a complete success; today the lake is inhabited by fish. Tourists are even allowed to fish here, subject to the only condition - they must use artificial bait.

Lake Zyuratkul, Russia



In Russia, among the Ural Mountains there is an amazing lake Zyuratkul, it is located at an altitude of 724 meters above sea level and is the highest mountain lake in the Urals. The maximum depth of this lake is relatively small and is about 12 meters, and the area of ​​the reservoir is 13.5 square meters. km. Today, the amazing lake is considered one of the cleanest in the world, despite the fact that the water in it is by no means transparent. It has a cloudy tea color, which is explained by the fact that many streams flowing into the lake originate in swamps.

The area near the lake is famous not only for its natural beauty, but also for its historical sites. During the study, scientists discovered several important archaeological sites; here they raised tools of primitive people and found a giant geoglyph. For local residents, Lake Zyuratkul has been a sacred landmark for hundreds of years; many interesting legends and beliefs are associated with it.

In the forests located along the shores of the lake, hundreds of years ago the Old Believers performed their rituals; while walking through them, today you can see unusual monuments carved from wood. Excellent conditions for recreation have been created on the territory of the Zyuratkul National Park. There are several equipped camping areas, so during the warm season, travelers can stay in these picturesque places for several days. There are hundreds of different excursions here, during which you can see the most significant natural attractions, as well as unique historical areas.

Piccaninny Ponds, Australia



In Australia, on the territory of the Piccaninny Nature Reserve, there is a system of ponds of the same name, which have recently been considered a favorite vacation spot for divers. There are three ponds in the system, all of them with crystal clear water. However, each of these ponds has its own unique characteristics. The “First Pond” is the smallest, its depth is only 10 meters. The “Abyss” pond is much deeper; its maximum depth is 100 meters. The water in this pond is crystal clear and visibility can reach 40 meters.

The Cathedral is considered the most unusual and interesting of the three ponds; its depth is 35 meters. This pond was formed in a grotto of limestone formation and is the most popular among divers. The system of ponds is located in a special swampy area, which is notable not only for its reservoirs, but also for its unique vegetation and fauna. This marshy area is home to several rare species of birds, the observation of which attracts not only ornithologists, but also tourists.

Piccaninny Park has many hiking trails for tourists, as well as several excellent viewing platforms from which you can admire the beautiful ponds and surrounding landscapes. Piccaninny National Park was established in 1969 and covers an area of ​​about 8.6 square kilometers. km. Since several years ago the ponds were opened to snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, today environmentalists monitor their cleanliness with particular care. Those who want to swim in these pristine ponds will need to comply with some formalities.

Lake Masyuko, Japan



In Japan, on the territory of the island of Hokkaido, there is another crystal clear lake - Masyuko. It is located in the Akan Nature Reserve, the lake is surrounded on all sides by incredibly beautiful mountain ranges covered with dense vegetation. This crystal clear lake was formed in the caldera of an active volcano; the water in it has a rich blue color due to its special mineral composition. Hundreds of tourists visit this beautiful lake every day as part of organized excursions around the national reserve.

While walking through the mountainous areas, they will have the opportunity to see many rare plants, animals and birds; it is most interesting to walk through these colorful places in the summer. However, visiting the reserve in winter also has its charms. On the territory of the national park there is another crater lake - Kussyaro, which also has its own unique features. The thing is that several hot springs flow into it, which prevent some areas of the lake from freezing even in winter. This feature attracts many heat-loving birds to the reservoir; whooper swans always spend the winter here.

The main feature of Lake Masyuko is that not a single stream flows into it, nor does it flow out. Researchers believe that it is precisely this feature of the lake that allows it to maintain its crystal purity for hundreds of years. It is also worth noting that on the territory of the reserve there are several interesting miniature villages, where you can get acquainted with the life of local residents and buy interesting souvenirs.

Bowman Lake, USA



In the United States there is the amazing Lake Bowman, which is also famous for its clear water. It is located in Montana, on the territory of the Glacier National Forest. Despite the fact that the reserve is rich in a variety of natural attractions, it is still visited by very few tourists. This greatly contributes to the preservation of the unique ecosystem here. Lake Bowman is impressive in size: its length is about 11 km and its width is about 1.5 km.

This fabulously beautiful lake is considered one of the most transparent in the world; today tourists here are provided with all the conditions for organizing an interesting holiday. They can not only walk around the reserve, but also spend several days in a tent camp. The lake is home to a lot of fish, which tourists are allowed to catch, and you can also swim in some areas of the lake.

The tent camp located on the shore of the lake is open only in the warm season and is well equipped. Toilets and even showers are equipped on its territory; every measure is taken here to preserve the ecology of these places. Today, the main guests of this “resort” are local residents, although in recent years Bowman Lake has also attracted a fair number of foreign travelers. Getting to this wonderful lake is not difficult; there is a road through part of the reserve.


Lake Sheosar, Pakistan

In the northern part of Pakistan, in the territory of the Deosai National Park, there is a fabulously beautiful Lake Sheosar. It has gained popularity among tourists precisely because of its crystal clear water. For hundreds of years, this lake has remained one of the cleanest bodies of water on the planet. The maximum depth of this lake is 40 meters, its length reaches 2.3 km, and its width is 1.8 km. This lake is located in a very inaccessible mountainous area, at an altitude of 4,142 meters above sea level.

Both car and walking tours of the nature reserve are organized for travelers. By jeep you can get to a remote mountainous area in just a few hours, while walking usually takes at least two days. For nature lovers, the best way to explore the reserve is on foot; there are several specially designated areas on its territory where you can set up a tent camp.

The best time to visit the beautiful lake and walk around the reserve is considered to be from the beginning of June to the end of September, at which time the plateaus surrounding the lake are covered with carpets of bright colors. One of the main inhabitants of these picturesque places are butterflies; there are several dozen species of them. Already in November, the beautiful valley and lake are hidden under thick snow; it completely disappears only by May. During the cold season, excursions around the reserve are not conducted.

Peyto Lake, Canada



In Canada, you should look for one of the cleanest lakes in Banff National Park, where the world-famous Peyto Lake is located. This lake is located in an incredibly beautiful foothill area, its area is about 5.3 square meters. km. The length of the lake stretches for 2.8 km, and its average width is only 800 meters. The first to discover this amazing lake was traveler Bill Peyto, and the lake got its name in honor of its discoverer.

One of the main features of the lake is its unusual shape; if you look at it from a bird's eye view, it resembles a huge wolf's head. The water in the lake has a rich turquoise hue, which also attracts attention. Every year the lake is replenished with water from nearby glaciers. Mountain streams bring with them tiny particles of minerals into the lake, which make the color of the water so unusual. Nowadays, several comfortable recreation centers are equipped for tourists on the shore of the lake. Here you can have a wonderful rest for a few days and enjoy the natural splendor.

These places are especially attractive to fishing enthusiasts; the lake is home to rainbow trout, salmon, pike and other species of noble fish. Those who want to fish in this wonderful place should take care of purchasing a license in advance. Guests of the reserve can diversify their holiday with exciting walks; there are extensive forests along the shores of the lake. Here you can see many rare animals and birds, and in the summer, rare species of flowers bloom in the reserve.

Lake Baikal, Russia



In the south of Eastern Siberia there is a world famous landmark - Lake Baikal. It is the world's largest reservoir of fresh water and the deepest lake on the planet, with a maximum depth of 1,642 meters. The area of ​​the lake is 31.7 square meters. km. The lake is interesting not only in itself, it is surrounded by unique natural landscapes. Many unique endemic animals live here, and you can also see a lot of rare plants.

Lake Baikal is of tectonic origin, its water is considered one of the cleanest in the world and is home to valuable species of fish. One of the main features of water is its high oxygen content, while the amount of minerals is very small. Lake Baikal is also one of the coldest in the world; the water temperature in it, even in the summer months, does not rise above +8 degrees Celsius.

One of the main unresolved issues related to the lake remains the theory of its origin. According to scientists, its formation was provoked by tectonic activity; the age of the lake is at least 25 million years. The inhabitants of the lake are of great interest to researchers; there are more than 2,600 species of them. More than half of the aquatic inhabitants are endemic and cannot be found in any other body of water in the world. One of the most important environmental problems of Lake Baikal is wastewater. Many rivers flow into the lake, the water in some of them is polluted by industrial waste.

Moraine Lake, Canada



In Canada there is the famous glacial lake Moraine, it is located in Banff National Park. This lake is very small, its area is only 500 square meters. meters, and the maximum depth reaches 14 meters. At the same time, it is difficult to find equals in the beauty of this lake. The discoverer of this unique natural attraction was explorer Walter Wilcox. When he discovered this lake, he could not stop admiring it for half an hour. Later, in his manuscripts, the scientist noted that these were the happiest half an hour in his life.

This lake is located in a very inaccessible mountainous area, so for a long time no one knew about its existence. The water in the lake, which fills it year after year during the melting of glaciers, has a rich sapphire hue. Against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains, the lake looks fantastic. The best time to visit the lake is considered to be June; at this time the peak of glacier melting occurs and the lake reaches its maximum size.

Travelers can visit Moraine Lake only from May to September; the rest of the year the mountain road is closed for safety reasons. You can easily get to the lake by car; the nearest large populated area is the city of Calgary. In recent years, organized excursions have been held to the lake, and a bus runs along the tourist route. Half an hour’s drive from the lake there is a small mountain village, which will also be very interesting to visit as part of the excursion.

Lake Jenny, USA



Jenny Lake is located in northwestern Wyoming and is today part of Grand Triton National Park. This lake is also of glacial origin and is located at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters above sea level. According to researchers, the lake was formed about 12,000 years ago, its maximum depth reaches 129 meters, and its area is about 482 square meters. km. Despite the fact that this lake is one of the cleanest in the world, motor boats are allowed on it, which is actively used not only by researchers, but also by tourists.

The main route, formed along the shores of the lake, is called the Jenny Lake Trail; excursions here are conducted not only during the day, but also at night. Nearby is the beautiful Cascade Canyon, which is also an important attraction of these places. The name of the lake has a very interesting story. In 1872, one of the first large expedition groups, led by the Englishman Richard Lee, worked on the lake. This beautiful lake was later named after his wife Jenny.

Another attractive feature of the reservoir is the variety of fish species; fishing was allowed here several years ago. The most cherished catch of fishermen is trout; to go fishing here, you need to obtain a special license. Tourists are allowed to travel to these places only when accompanied by guides; among the inhabitants of the nearby forests there are many predatory animals, and bears are also found here. Just like many years ago, today the national park attracts hunters, and climbers also like to relax here.

Lake Pukaki, New Zealand



New Zealand also has many wonderful lakes worthy of tourists' attention. One of them is worth looking for on Yuzhny Island, where the beautiful Lake Pukaki is located. This lake of glacial origin has become famous throughout the world thanks to the rich blue color of the water, which, among other things, is also incredibly clean. The area of ​​the lake is 178.7 square meters. km, it is located at an altitude of more than 500 meters above sea level. This fabulously beautiful reservoir stretches for 15 km in length and its width is about 8 km.

Several years ago, Lake Pukaki became part of a large hydropower system; experts made sure that such use of the reservoir would in no way affect its environmental performance. For local residents, the appearance of the hydraulic unit was a real breakthrough; it was thanks to the lake that they finally received stable electricity.

Not everyone knows that initially the glacial lake was very small, its maximum depth was no more than 25 meters. When the construction of a hydraulic station began in the 40s of the last century, the volume of the lake was significantly increased. Initially, in the center of the lake there was a small island, which, as a result of the expansion of the reservoir, was flooded. The water in the glacial lake is always very cold, so not everyone dares to swim in its crystal clear azure water. Even at the height of summer, its temperature is no more than + 7 degrees Celsius. Local residents have many beautiful legends associated with the lake; it got its name in honor of one of the mythical warriors.

Lake Tahoe, USA



California is home to the amazing freshwater Lake Tahoe, located in the picturesque foothills of the Sierra Nevada. This lake is well known to tourists; several popular ski resorts are located in its immediate vicinity. Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States, with an average depth of 305 meters and an area of ​​about 495 square meters. km. Among the most beautiful lakes in the world, Tahoe is considered one of the most easily accessible; large roads run along the entire perimeter of the reservoir.

The lake was formed at the site of a geological fault in the earth's crust about 3 million years ago. Today, not only the lake itself with water of a fantastic heavenly color is of great interest, but also the coniferous forests surrounding it. Here you can see many rare species of pine and fir, as well as rare species of shrubs and grasses. The lake was discovered relatively recently, in 1844, its discoverer was Lieutenant John Fremont.

He explored these mountainous areas in search of a river, and discovered an incredibly beautiful lake, which a few years later was explored by scientists from all over the world. Most tourists began to visit these places after 1960, when the Winter Olympic Games were held at one of the local resorts. Since those times, an excellent tourist infrastructure has remained here; today there are comfortable hotels near the lake, and there are also many ski slopes of varying difficulty levels. Lovers of hiking will also find it interesting to relax here; exciting excursions are held near the lake at any time of the year.

Blue Lake, New Zealand



One of the cleanest and most unusual lakes on the planet with the complex name Rotomairewhenua is located in New Zealand; translated from the Maori language its name means “Blue Lake”. This miniature freshwater lake is located within the Nelson National Forest and is part of a complex system of lakes. Ecologists began to study the reservoir in detail only in 2011; they accidentally discovered that the water in the lake is extremely clean.

Visibility there can reach 80 meters. From year to year, the lake is fed by water from nearby glaciers. Flowing down from the mountain peaks, it passes through many natural rocks, which act as a natural filter. Largely due to its purity, the water in the lake has an amazing hue, which during the day varies from deep blue to light purple.

One of the first specialists to show interest in the lake was hydrologist Rob Mirriles. After admiring the crystal clear water, travelers should definitely take a walk through the forests and mountain ranges surrounding the reservoir. There are no tourist centers near the lake; it is extremely rare to meet travelers here. The main visitors to these picturesque places are researchers and ecologists; not so long ago, as a result of a major study, they equated the water in Blue Lake in properties and quality to distilled water.

Petermann River, Greenland



Some rivers are also striking in their amazing purity of water. An excellent example is the Petermann River, located in Greenland; it is known to a wide range of travelers under the unofficial name of the Blue River. The location of the river is the glacier of the same name, which melts in the summer and forms many small streams. They all converge into a single river, the water of which has a rich blue tint.

The incredibly beautiful and clean river poses a huge threat to the world ecology. In recent years, the Petermann Glacier has begun to melt four times faster, which is contributing to a significant increase in the water level of the world's oceans. According to researchers, the glacier will melt even more rapidly in the coming years, which could lead to serious environmental disasters. In the meantime, the crystal clear river is of great interest to scientists. They can estimate the composition of glacial waters that have been frozen for millions of years.

It is very difficult for ordinary travelers to reach this remote corner of the world with an incredibly harsh climate; this can only be done together with organized expedition groups. Now environmentalists are trying to take all possible measures to minimize the influx of glacier meltwater into the world ocean. In the coming years it may lose up to 100 sq. kilometers of ice, this amount of melt water would be enough to supply a large metropolis for 10 years.

Weddell Sea, Antarctica



Off the coast of West Antarctica lies the beautiful Lake Weddell, which is also one of the cleanest bodies of water on the planet. It bears its name in honor of the discoverer J. Weddell, who made an expedition to these places in 1832. The sea area is 2,900,000 square meters. km, and its maximum depth reaches 6,800 meters. In addition to the incredibly beautiful water of a heavenly hue, the sea is distinguished by a huge number of ice floes that float in it all year round.

This beautiful, clear sea is home to thousands of aquatic inhabitants, huge populations of whales, seals and fish live here, and penguins are also typical inhabitants of these places. Today the Weddell Sea is considered the cleanest in the world. The last major study of its water took place in 1986, the average visibility was estimated at 79 meters, which corresponds to distilled water.

Not all research groups, not to mention ordinary tourists, decide to sail on this sea; drifting ice poses a huge threat to ships. Many natural and physical phenomena are associated with the North Sea. The water in it never freezes, despite the fact that its temperature can reach -25 degrees Celsius. The Weddell Sea is the coldest and cleanest sea on the planet. To see it with your own eyes, travelers need to be part of one of the research expeditions, but they go to this harsh sea extremely rarely

Water of a mesmerizing azure color, with visibility of several tens of meters - some bodies of water on the planet are still distinguished by incredible environmental indicators. They miraculously managed to escape the harmful influence of civilization; for thousands and millions of years, the water in them remains crystal clear. Some of the cleanest lakes and rivers on the planet are located in incredibly inaccessible places; to see them, tourists need to overcome a difficult path. Others, on the contrary, have long been centers of tourist life, which does not prevent them from maintaining their unique environmental indicators. All the cleanest bodies of water on the planet are incredibly beautiful and certainly deserve the attention of the most sophisticated travelers.

Crater Lake, USA

In the USA, in the state of Oregon, there is an incredibly beautiful Lake Crater, it was formed in the crater of an extinct volcano. This lake has become famous throughout the world for its unique deep blue water, which is considered one of the cleanest in the world. According to scientists, this lake was formed more than 7.5 thousand years ago, its average depth is about 350 meters. The size of the lake is also quite impressive, its length is about 9.6 km and its width is about 8 km.

This lake is one of the deepest not only in the United States, but also in North America. Several years ago, a national park was formed around the unique lake, and today interesting excursions are held around its territory. The main event for travelers remains the climb to the crater of an extinct volcano; this is the only way to see the beautiful lake with your own eyes. In recent years, the amazing nature reserve has been visited annually by about 400,000 tourists from all over the world.

The crystal clear lake attracts not only curious travelers, but also ecologists and researchers. Several years ago, a group of scientists conducted an interesting experiment here. The fact is that initially there were no species of fish in Lake Kreiter; environmentalists decided to introduce some species of trout and salmon here. Their experiment was a complete success; today the lake is inhabited by fish. Tourists are even allowed to fish here, subject to the only condition - they must use artificial bait.

Lake Zyuratkul, Russia


In Russia, among the Ural Mountains there is an amazing lake Zyuratkul, it is located at an altitude of 724 meters above sea level and is the highest mountain lake in the Urals. The maximum depth of this lake is relatively small and is about 12 meters, and the area of ​​the reservoir is 13.5 square meters. km. Today, the amazing lake is considered one of the cleanest in the world, despite the fact that the water in it is by no means transparent. It has a cloudy tea color, which is explained by the fact that many streams flowing into the lake originate in swamps.

The area near the lake is famous not only for its natural beauty, but also for its historical sites. During the study, scientists discovered several important archaeological sites; here they raised tools of primitive people and found a giant geoglyph. For local residents, Lake Zyuratkul has been a sacred landmark for hundreds of years; many interesting legends and beliefs are associated with it.

In the forests located along the shores of the lake, hundreds of years ago the Old Believers performed their rituals; while walking through them, today you can see unusual monuments carved from wood. Excellent conditions for recreation have been created on the territory of the Zyuratkul National Park. There are several equipped camping areas, so during the warm season, travelers can stay in these picturesque places for several days. There are hundreds of different excursions here, during which you can see the most significant natural attractions, as well as unique historical areas.

Piccaninny Ponds, Australia


In Australia, on the territory of the Piccaninny Nature Reserve, there is a system of ponds of the same name, which have recently been considered a favorite vacation spot for divers. There are three ponds in the system, all of them with crystal clear water. However, each of these ponds has its own unique characteristics. The “First Pond” is the smallest, its depth is only 10 meters. The “Abyss” pond is much deeper; its maximum depth is 100 meters. The water in this pond is crystal clear and visibility can reach 40 meters.

The Cathedral is considered the most unusual and interesting of the three ponds; its depth is 35 meters. This pond was formed in a grotto of limestone formation and is the most popular among divers. The system of ponds is located in a special swampy area, which is notable not only for its reservoirs, but also for its unique vegetation and fauna. This marshy area is home to several rare species of birds, the observation of which attracts not only ornithologists, but also tourists.

Piccaninny Park has many hiking trails for tourists, as well as several excellent viewing platforms from which you can admire the beautiful ponds and surrounding landscapes. Piccaninny National Park was established in 1969 and covers an area of ​​about 8.6 square kilometers. km. Since several years ago the ponds were opened to snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, today environmentalists monitor their cleanliness with particular care. Those who want to swim in these pristine ponds will need to comply with some formalities.

Lake Masyuko, Japan

In Japan, on the territory of the island of Hokkaido, there is another crystal clear lake - Masyuko. It is located in the Akan Nature Reserve, the lake is surrounded on all sides by incredibly beautiful mountain ranges covered with dense vegetation. This crystal clear lake was formed in the caldera of an active volcano; the water in it has a rich blue color due to its special mineral composition. Hundreds of tourists visit this beautiful lake every day as part of organized excursions around the national reserve.

While walking through the mountainous areas, they will have the opportunity to see many rare plants, animals and birds; it is most interesting to walk through these colorful places in the summer. However, visiting the reserve in winter also has its charms. On the territory of the national park there is another crater lake, Kussyaro, which also has its own unique features. The thing is that several hot springs flow into it, which prevent some areas of the lake from freezing even in winter. This feature attracts many heat-loving birds to the reservoir; whooper swans always spend the winter here.

The main feature of Lake Masyuko is that not a single stream flows into it, nor does it flow out. Researchers believe that it is precisely this feature of the lake that allows it to maintain its crystal purity for hundreds of years. It is also worth noting that on the territory of the reserve there are several interesting miniature villages, where you can get acquainted with the life of local residents and buy interesting souvenirs.

Bowman Lake, USA


In the United States there is the amazing Lake Bowman, which is also famous for its clear water. It is located in Montana, on the territory of the Glacier National Forest. Despite the fact that the reserve is rich in a variety of natural attractions, it is still visited by very few tourists. This greatly contributes to the preservation of the unique ecosystem here. Lake Bowman is impressive in size: its length is about 11 km and its width is about 1.5 km.

This fabulously beautiful lake is considered one of the most transparent in the world; today tourists here are provided with all the conditions for organizing an interesting holiday. They can not only walk around the reserve, but also spend several days in a tent camp. The lake is home to a lot of fish, which tourists are allowed to catch, and you can also swim in some areas of the lake.

The tent camp located on the shore of the lake is open only in the warm season and is well equipped. Toilets and even showers are equipped on its territory; every measure is taken here to preserve the ecology of these places. Today, the main guests of this “resort” are local residents, although in recent years Bowman Lake has also attracted a fair number of foreign travelers. Getting to this wonderful lake is not difficult; there is a road through part of the reserve.


Lake Sheosar, Pakistan


In the northern part of Pakistan, in the territory of the Deosai National Park, there is a fabulously beautiful Lake Sheosar. It has gained popularity among tourists precisely because of its crystal clear water. For hundreds of years, this lake has remained one of the cleanest bodies of water on the planet. The maximum depth of this lake is 40 meters, its length reaches 2.3 km, and its width is 1.8 km. This lake is located in a very inaccessible mountainous area, at an altitude of 4,142 meters above sea level.

Both car and walking tours of the nature reserve are organized for travelers. By jeep you can get to a remote mountainous area in just a few hours, while walking usually takes at least two days. For nature lovers, the best way to explore the reserve is on foot; there are several specially designated areas on its territory where you can set up a tent camp.

The best time to visit the beautiful lake and walk around the reserve is considered to be from the beginning of June to the end of September, at which time the plateaus surrounding the lake are covered with carpets of bright colors. One of the main inhabitants of these picturesque places are butterflies; there are several dozen species of them. Already in November, the beautiful valley and lake are hidden under thick snow; it completely disappears only by May. During the cold season, excursions around the reserve are not conducted.

Peyto Lake, Canada


In Canada, you should look for one of the cleanest lakes in Banff National Park, where the world-famous Peyto Lake is located. This lake is located in an incredibly beautiful foothill area, its area is about 5.3 square meters. km. The length of the lake stretches for 2.8 km, and its average width is only 800 meters. The first to discover this amazing lake was traveler Bill Peyto, and the lake got its name in honor of its discoverer.

One of the main features of the lake is its unusual shape; if you look at it from a bird's eye view, it resembles a huge wolf's head. The water in the lake has a rich turquoise hue, which also attracts attention. Every year the lake is replenished with water from nearby glaciers. Mountain streams bring with them tiny particles of minerals into the lake, which make the color of the water so unusual. Nowadays, several comfortable recreation centers are equipped for tourists on the shore of the lake. Here you can have a wonderful rest for a few days and enjoy the natural splendor.

These places are especially attractive to fishing enthusiasts; the lake is home to rainbow trout, salmon, pike and other species of noble fish. Those who want to fish in this wonderful place should take care of purchasing a license in advance. Guests of the reserve can diversify their holiday with exciting walks; there are extensive forests along the shores of the lake. Here you can see many rare animals and birds, and in the summer, rare species of flowers bloom in the reserve.

Lake Baikal, Russia


In the south of Eastern Siberia there is a world famous landmark - Lake Baikal. It is the world's largest reservoir of fresh water and the deepest lake on the planet, with a maximum depth of 1,642 meters. The area of ​​the lake is 31.7 square meters. km. The lake is interesting not only in itself, it is surrounded by unique natural landscapes. Many unique endemic animals live here, and you can also see a lot of rare plants.

Lake Baikal is of tectonic origin, its water is considered one of the cleanest in the world and is home to valuable species of fish. One of the main features of water is its high oxygen content, while the amount of minerals is very small. Lake Baikal is also one of the coldest in the world; the water temperature in it, even in the summer months, does not rise above +8 degrees Celsius.

One of the main unresolved issues related to the lake remains the theory of its origin. According to scientists, its formation was provoked by tectonic activity; the age of the lake is at least 25 million years. The inhabitants of the lake are of great interest to researchers; there are more than 2,600 species of them. More than half of the aquatic inhabitants are endemic and cannot be found in any other body of water in the world. One of the most important environmental problems of Lake Baikal is wastewater. Many rivers flow into the lake, the water in some of them is polluted by industrial waste.

Moraine Lake, Canada


In Canada there is the famous glacial lake Moraine, it is located in Banff National Park. This lake is very small, its area is only 500 square meters. meters, and the maximum depth reaches 14 meters. At the same time, it is difficult to find equals in the beauty of this lake. The discoverer of this unique natural attraction was explorer Walter Wilcox. When he discovered this lake, he could not stop admiring it for half an hour. Later, in his manuscripts, the scientist noted that these were the happiest half an hour in his life.

This lake is located in a very inaccessible mountainous area, so for a long time no one knew about its existence. The water in the lake, which fills it year after year during the melting of glaciers, has a rich sapphire hue. Against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains, the lake looks fantastic. The best time to visit the lake is considered to be June; at this time the peak of glacier melting occurs and the lake reaches its maximum size.

Travelers can visit Moraine Lake only from May to September; the rest of the year the mountain road is closed for safety reasons. You can easily get to the lake by car; the nearest large populated area is the city of Calgary. In recent years, organized excursions have been held to the lake, and a bus runs along the tourist route. Half an hour’s drive from the lake there is a small mountain village, which will also be very interesting to visit as part of the excursion.

Lake Jenny, USA


Jenny Lake is located in northwestern Wyoming and is today part of Grand Triton National Park. This lake is also of glacial origin and is located at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters above sea level. According to researchers, the lake was formed about 12,000 years ago, its maximum depth reaches 129 meters, and its area is about 482 square meters. km. Despite the fact that this lake is one of the cleanest in the world, motor boats are allowed on it, which is actively used not only by researchers, but also by tourists.

The main route, formed along the shores of the lake, is called the Jenny Lake Trail; excursions here are conducted not only during the day, but also at night. Nearby is the beautiful Cascade Canyon, which is also an important attraction of these places. The name of the lake has a very interesting story. In 1872, one of the first large expedition groups, led by the Englishman Richard Lee, worked on the lake. This beautiful lake was later named after his wife Jenny.

Another attractive feature of the reservoir is the variety of fish species; fishing was allowed here several years ago. The most cherished catch of fishermen is trout; to go fishing here, you need to obtain a special license. Tourists are allowed to travel to these places only when accompanied by guides; among the inhabitants of the nearby forests there are many predatory animals, and bears are also found here. Just like many years ago, today the national park attracts hunters, and climbers also like to relax here.

Lake Pukaki, New Zealand


New Zealand also has many wonderful lakes worthy of tourists' attention. One of them is worth looking for on Yuzhny Island, where the beautiful Lake Pukaki is located. This lake of glacial origin has become famous throughout the world thanks to the rich blue color of the water, which, among other things, is also incredibly clean. The area of ​​the lake is 178.7 square meters. km, it is located at an altitude of more than 500 meters above sea level. This fabulously beautiful reservoir stretches for 15 km in length and its width is about 8 km.

Several years ago, Lake Pukaki became part of a large hydropower system; experts made sure that such use of the reservoir would in no way affect its environmental performance. For local residents, the appearance of the hydraulic unit was a real breakthrough; it was thanks to the lake that they finally received stable electricity.

Not everyone knows that initially the glacial lake was very small, its maximum depth was no more than 25 meters. When the construction of a hydraulic station began in the 40s of the last century, the volume of the lake was significantly increased. Initially, in the center of the lake there was a small island, which, as a result of the expansion of the reservoir, was flooded. The water in the glacial lake is always very cold, so not everyone dares to swim in its crystal clear azure water. Even at the height of summer, its temperature is no more than + 7 degrees Celsius. Local residents have many beautiful legends associated with the lake; it got its name in honor of one of the mythical warriors.

Lake Tahoe, USA


California is home to the amazing freshwater Lake Tahoe, located in the picturesque foothills of the Sierra Nevada. This lake is well known to tourists; several popular ski resorts are located in its immediate vicinity. Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States, with an average depth of 305 meters and an area of ​​about 495 square meters. km. Among the most beautiful lakes in the world, Tahoe is considered one of the most easily accessible; large roads run along the entire perimeter of the reservoir.

The lake was formed at the site of a geological fault in the earth's crust about 3 million years ago. Today, not only the lake itself with water of a fantastic heavenly color is of great interest, but also the coniferous forests surrounding it. Here you can see many rare species of pine and fir, as well as rare species of shrubs and grasses. The lake was discovered relatively recently, in 1844, its discoverer was Lieutenant John Fremont.

He explored these mountainous areas in search of a river, and discovered an incredibly beautiful lake, which a few years later was explored by scientists from all over the world. Most tourists began to visit these places after 1960, when the Winter Olympic Games were held at one of the local resorts. Since those times, an excellent tourist infrastructure has remained here; today there are comfortable hotels near the lake, and there are also many ski slopes of varying difficulty levels. Lovers of hiking will also find it interesting to relax here; exciting excursions are held near the lake at any time of the year.

Blue Lake, New Zealand


One of the cleanest and most unusual lakes on the planet with the complex name Rotomairewhenua is located in New Zealand; translated from the Maori language its name means “Blue Lake”. This miniature freshwater lake is located within the Nelson National Forest and is part of a complex system of lakes. Ecologists began to study the reservoir in detail only in 2011; they accidentally discovered that the water in the lake is extremely clean.

Visibility there can reach 80 meters. From year to year, the lake is fed by water from nearby glaciers. Flowing down from the mountain peaks, it passes through many natural rocks, which act as a natural filter. Largely due to its purity, the water in the lake has an amazing hue, which during the day varies from deep blue to light purple.

One of the first specialists to show interest in the lake was hydrologist Rob Mirriles. After admiring the crystal clear water, travelers should definitely take a walk through the forests and mountain ranges surrounding the reservoir. There are no tourist centers near the lake; it is extremely rare to meet travelers here. The main visitors to these picturesque places are researchers and ecologists; not so long ago, as a result of a major study, they equated the water in Blue Lake in properties and quality to distilled water.

Petermann River, Greenland


Some rivers are also striking in their amazing purity of water. An excellent example is the Petermann River, located in Greenland; it is known to a wide range of travelers under the unofficial name of the Blue River. The location of the river is the glacier of the same name, which melts in the summer and forms many small streams. They all converge into a single river, the water of which has a rich blue tint.

The incredibly beautiful and clean river poses a huge threat to the world ecology. In recent years, the Petermann Glacier has begun to melt four times faster, which is contributing to a significant increase in the water level of the world's oceans. According to researchers, the glacier will melt even more rapidly in the coming years, which could lead to serious environmental disasters. In the meantime, the crystal clear river is of great interest to scientists. They can estimate the composition of glacial waters that have been frozen for millions of years.

It is very difficult for ordinary travelers to reach this remote corner of the world with an incredibly harsh climate; this can only be done together with organized expedition groups. Now environmentalists are trying to take all possible measures to minimize the influx of glacier meltwater into the world ocean. In the coming years it may lose up to 100 sq. kilometers of ice, this amount of melt water would be enough to supply a large metropolis for 10 years.

Weddell Sea, Antarctica


Off the coast of West Antarctica lies the beautiful Lake Weddell, which is also one of the cleanest bodies of water on the planet. It bears its name in honor of the discoverer J. Weddell, who made an expedition to these places in 1832. The sea area is 2,900,000 square meters. km, and its maximum depth reaches 6,800 meters. In addition to the incredibly beautiful water of a heavenly hue, the sea is distinguished by a huge number of ice floes that float in it all year round.

This beautiful, clear sea is home to thousands of aquatic inhabitants, huge populations of whales, seals and fish live here, and penguins are also typical inhabitants of these places. Today the Weddell Sea is considered the cleanest in the world. The last major study of its water took place in 1986, the average visibility was estimated at 79 meters, which corresponds to distilled water.

Not all research groups, not to mention ordinary tourists, decide to sail on this sea; drifting ice poses a huge threat to ships. Many natural and physical phenomena are associated with the North Sea. The water in it never freezes, despite the fact that its temperature can reach -25 degrees Celsius. The Weddell Sea is the coldest and cleanest sea on the planet. To see it with your own eyes, travelers need to be part of one of the research expeditions, but they go to this harsh sea extremely rarely.


based on materials from orangesmile.com