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List of lakes

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A select list of the top 3 to 5 major lakes per region with links to more detailed region lists of lakes. A "major" lake being defined as that which is the largest by area, depth, volume, or cultural and/or environmental significance. For rank-order lists, see List of lakes by area, List of lakes by depth, List of lakes by volume.

See also: Great Lakes of Africa, Rift Valley lakes

Lists by country

Monoun















There are around hundreds of lakes, deep below the ice of Antarctica.[1]

International lakes of Asia

The Caspian Sea, located in western Asia on the eastern edges of Europe, is the largest lake on the planet. History records that it is called a sea because the Romans found it salty, especially in the southern reaches, and the name stuck.[citation needed] Oil and natural gas production platforms are replete along the edges of the sea. In addition, large quantities of sturgeon live in its waters, and the caviar produced from their eggs is a valuable commodity. Fresh water flows into the sea via the Volga River and Ural River in the north; however, the sea remains somewhat salty, central and south. The measured surface area is 371,000 km2 (143,244 sq mi), and he maximum depth is at 1025 m (3,363 ft). Additional details and map.

Lake Baikal is positioned in southeastern (Siberia) Russia, directly to the north of Mongolia. Recognized as the oldest (still existing) freshwater lake on the planet, it is also measured as the deepest continental body of water at 5,315 feet (1,620 m). In addition, it is the largest freshwater lake by volume, containing an astounding 20% of the planet's fresh water. With a maximum width of 60 miles (96 km), Lake Baikal is about 389 miles (626 km) in length. Completely surrounded by mountains, over 300 rivers and streams drain into this massive lake. Detailed map.

Positioned in far-western Asia, just to the east of the Caspian Sea, the Aral Sea is located in the countries of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The Aral Sea is disappearing (evaporating) and is today almost totally polluted by fertilizer runoff, weapon testing residue left here by the former Soviet Union and careless industrial projects. The mismanagement of its valuable waters is considered by many experts to be one of the world's worst environmental disasters.[citation needed] Diversion of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers for irrigation began in 1918, and that action, along with other factors have now shrunk the Aral Sea to almost 60% of its former size. Over the last few years the outlook for the northern reaches of the sea have brightened some, but the lower half is basically abandoned and the remaining western waters are now predicted to be gone within a decade. Additional details and map.

Lists by country


  • Cypt
Tonlé Sap Lake, Cambodia






Lake Saiful Muluk, Kaghan Valley, Pakistan
Rush Lake (Pakistan), The highest lake in Pakistan and 27th highest in the world.[2]



Chiaming Lake in Taitung County, Taiwan.

International lakes of Europe

Lists by country




International lakes of North America

Listed in order of occurrence from easternmost border terminus to the westernmost

Lists by country








Lists by country








International lakes of South America

Lists by country


See also

References

  1. ^ See map in Peter Aldhous (Aug 23, 2014). "First samples of Antarctic lake reveal thriving life". New Scientist: 12. Archived from the original on August 23, 2014.
  2. ^ "Rush Lake (Pakistan), 27th Highest Lake in the world". highestlake.com. Retrieved 13 October 2019.