Baikal is the deepest lake on Earth. It is located in the heart of Asia, in the southern part of Eastern Siberia. It is framed by taiga, mountain ranges and steppes. Local residents consider the lake sacred and treat it carefully, with deep respect.
1. First mention
The first written mention of Baikal appeared in 1640 in the "Drawing book of Siberia". Information about him was listed in the description of the tributaries of the Lena River. At the same time, the Baikal region became part of the Russian Empire. Initially, the Mongol nomadic tribe of the Barguts lived on its banks. Later they were supplanted by the Tungus, Buryats and Russians.
2. Origin
Scientists believe that Baikal appeared 25-35 million years ago as a result of a tectonic fault in the earth's crust. And to this day earthquakes of various strengths continue in its vicinity.
3. Lake or sea?
Baikal is so large that it is often called the sea. Judge for yourself, from north to south-west it stretches for 636 km, while the maximum width is 81 km. The area of its water surface is about 32 thousand square meters. km, the length of the coastline is 2100 km, the depth is 1640 m.
4. World storage of fresh water
Baikal is the world's largest freshwater body. It stores 19% of the world's water supply, which is about 27 thousand cubic meters. More than 300 rivers flow into Baikal, and only one Angara originates - the main tributary of the Yenisei.
5. Climatic phenomenon
In contrast to the adjacent areas, the unique, mild climate directly near Lake Baikal. There are almost no clouds over the lake and the sun often shines. Winds almost always blow here, mainly along the coast, and waves can rise up to 4 m.
6. Clear water
Baikal water is amazing. It is unusually transparent and clean, saturated with oxygen, contains few minerals and impurities.
7. "Rich Lake"
The ancient Turks called the reservoir Bay-Kul, which translates as “rich lake”. And this name was not given to him by chance. More than 600 plant species and about 1200 animals live in its waters, including 60 varieties of fish. The Baikal seal and the Baikal omul are unique. Scientists believe that they appeared in the lake during the Ice Age - they sailed from the Arctic Ocean along the Yenisei and Angara.
8. Sacred place
Many consider Baikal to be a place of power. The largest island of the lake, Olkhon, is the main sanctuary of shamanism. This is the oldest mystical cult on Earth. According to legend, the first shaman was the son of the Celestial, who descended on Olkhon in the form of an eagle. Every August a shaman festival is held at Baikal. On Olkhon you can see the so-called Baikal idols - wooden pillars wrapped in ritual shreds to fulfill desires.
There is also a Shaman stone in the waters of the lake, which is a rock. Rumor has it that she fulfills the most cherished desires. To do this, be sure to tie a colored cloth on the tree.
