What's at the Bottom of the Deepest Lake in the World

Lake Baikal in Russia is the world's deepest and oldest lake, known for its unique biodiversity and geological features. It is a Rift Valley formed by tectonic movements and is home to many species found nowhere else. The lake's hydrothermal vents support diverse life forms, including bacteria and amphipods. The Nurpa, the only freshwater seals, also inhabit the lake. However, Lake Baikal faces threats from climate change and pollution, leading to warming waters and algal blooms. Conservation efforts are crucial to preserve its natural beauty and biodiversity.

What geological feature is Lake Baikal known for?

• A volcanic crater

• A coastal lagoon

• A Rift Valley

• A glacial basin

What makes Lake Baikal's hydrothermal vents unique compared to other lakes?

• They support life forms that never see sunlight

• They are commonly found in all lakes

• They are the main cause of the lake's depth

• They are the only source of freshwater in the lake

How do high levels of dissolved oxygen benefit Lake Baikal's ecosystem?

• They reduce the number of species in the lake

• They increase the lake's salinity

• They help species grow larger than average

• They prevent the lake from freezing

What is a significant threat to the Nurpa seals in Lake Baikal?

• Increased fishing activities

• Earlier ice melts due to climate change

• Invasive species

• Lack of food resources

What is a potential consequence of Lake Baikal's warming waters?

• Formation of new hydrothermal vents

• Expansion of the lake's surface area

• Depletion of oxygen in deeper waters

• Increased oxygen levels