Major Lakes of the World

Large inland bodies of water that are surrounded by land are called lakes. They can be organic or synthetic and have a range of cultural, economic, and ecological values. The largest lakes in the world are dispersed over many continents and are a vital source of freshwater for many areas.

In addition to having unique geological and ecological characteristics, some of these lakes are among the oldest and deepest in the world. Investigating the significant data and facts about these lakes in this context is interesting.

Features of Major Lakes of the World

Here the features of major lakes of the world are described −

Caspian Sagar (Lake)

• The largest lake in the world by both surface area and volume is the Caspian Sea, also referred to as Caspian Lake.

• Its five neighbours are Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan. It is situated between Europe and Asia.

• The sea has a maximum depth of 1,025 meters (3,363 feet), is around 1,200 kilometres (750 miles) long, and 320 kilometres (200 miles) wide.

• A wide variety of plants and animals can be found in the area, including the critically endangered Caspian seal.

Superior Lake

• In terms of surface area, Lake Superior, which has a surface area of 82,103 square kilometres, is the largest freshwater lake on earth.

• By volume, it is the third-largest freshwater lake, with a total volume of 12,100 km3.

• The lake is situated on the boundary between the two countries, with the bulk of its U.S.-owned shoreline.

• The deepest of the Great Lakes is Lake Superior, which may reach a maximum depth of 406 meters.

• The St. Lawrence Seaway, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the lake, is a vital commercial shipping route.

Victoria Lake

• With a surface area of over 59,947 square kilometres, Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world.

• It is situated in East Africa, where Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya all share a portion of the lake.

• Since the lake is home to more than 500 different species of fish, it serves as a significant source of food for the community.

• The Nile River drains the lake, which is supplied by a number of rivers, including the Kagera River.

Huron Lake

• Averaging 23,000 square miles in size, Lake Huron is the third-largest freshwater lake in the world.

• With Michigan on its eastern side and Ontario on its western shore, it is situated on the border between the United States and Canada.

• The maximum depth of Lake Huron is 750 feet, and its average depth is 195 feet.

• The St. Marys River, which connects the lake-to-Lake Superior, is one of the many rivers that feed the lake, which is a component of the Great Lakes system.

• Lake Huron is a well-liked location for boating and recreational fishing. It is home to many fish species, including walleye, lake trout, and Chinook salmon.

Michigan Lake

• The sixth largest freshwater lake in the world by volume, Lake Michigan is the third largest of the Great Lakes.

• It is 925 feet deep at its deepest point and has a surface size of 22,404 square miles.

• Four states—Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana—are bordered by the lake, which is wholly within American territory.

• It is well-known for its sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and diversity of fish species, including lake trout, salmon, and walleye.

• The Ojibwe word "mishigami," which translates to "large lake," is the source of the lake's name.

Tanganyika Lake

• The second-deepest lake in the world is called Lake Tanganyika, and it is situated in East Africa.

• It spans a region of 32,900 square kilometres and is roughly 673 kilometres long by 50 kilometres broad.

• Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Zambia all encircle the lake.

• The lake is thought to be the second-oldest freshwater lake in the world and was produced between 9 and 12 million years ago during the uplift of the Rift Valley.

Baikal Lake

• The world's largest freshwater lake by volume and deepest lake, Lake Baikal is situated in southern Siberia, Russia.

• Its water is recognized for being unusually clear and clean and makes up around 20% of the world's unfrozen freshwater reserve.

• The lake is the deepest continental body of water on Earth, stretching over 600 kilometres and reaching a maximum depth of 1,642 meters.

Great Bear Lake

• lake in the world, Great Bear Lake is found in Canada's Northwest Territories.

• It has a maximum depth of 446 meters and a surface area of 31,153 square kilometres.

• Numerous rivers feed the lake, and its waters finally empty into the Arctic Ocean.

• Numerous fish species, including trout, whitefish, and Arctic grayling, call it home.

Malawi Lake

• Southeast Africa is home to Lake Malawi, an African Great Lake also known as Lake Nyasa in Tanzania and Lago Niassa in Mozambique.

• It is the third largest and second-deepest lake in Africa and the ninth largest lake in the world by volume.

• The lake has a maximum depth of 706 meters, is around 560 km long, and 75 km wide.

• It is a well-liked location for snorkelling and diving due to the abundance of fish species it supports, including over 700 cichlid species that are unique to the globe.

• The majority of the lake is in Malawi; however, it is surrounded by the nations of Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi.

Great Slave Lake

• The second-largest lake fully within Canada is called Great Slave Lake, and it can be found in the Northwest Territories of the country.

• The lake is the deepest lake in North America, with a surface size of 27,200 km2 and a maximum depth of 614 m.

• Many rivers, including the Mackenzie River, feed Great Slave Lake, which empties into the Great Bear River, which then empties into the Arctic Ocean.

• The lake's shoreline is untamed and sparsely populated, and the region is home to a wide variety of species, including bears, wolves, and caribou.

List of Top 10 Lakes of the World

The given table illustrates 10 major lakes of the world, their extent and location −

Lake Name	Surface Area (km²)	Location
Caspian Sea	143,000	Asia/Europe
Superior	82,100	North America
Victoria	68,870	Africa
Huron	59,600	North America
Michigan	58,000	North America
Tanganyika	32,893	Africa
Baikal	31,722	Russia
Great Bear Lake	31,080	North America
Malawi	29,600	Africa
Great Slave Lake	28,930	North America

Conclusion

Major lakes around the world are important freshwater resources that support a range of natural systems, human endeavours, and are an essential component of the water cycle on our planet. Each lake is distinct due to its location, size, depth, and water chemistry, which makes it significant for various reasons.

The Caspian Sea, Superior, Victoria, Huron, and Baikal, among other significant lakes covered in this guide, each have unique qualities that contribute to their significance. To maintain the sustainability of these lakes for future generations, it is crucial to protect them and the ecosystems that surround them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which one is the largest lake in the world by surface area?

The largest lake in the world by surface area is the Caspian Sea.

Which one is the deepest lake in the world?

The deepest lake in the world is Lake Baikal in Russia.

How many Great Lakes are there in North America?

Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario are the group of five lakes, which collectively known as ‘Great Lakes.’

Which Lake is shared by four countries?

Lake Victoria in Africa is shared by four countries: Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Burundi.

Which one is the largest lake in Africa?

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa by surface area and the second largest freshwater lake in the world.

Which one is the largest lake in South America?

Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America by volume and the highest navigable lake in the world.

Which Lake is the oldest in the world?

Lake Baikal in Russia is considered the oldest lake in the world, estimated to be around 25 million years old.

Which Lake is located at the highest elevation in the world?

Lake Titicaca, located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world, sitting at an elevation of 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above sea level.

Which one is the largest lake in Canada?

The largest lake in Canada is Great Bear Lake, located in the Northwest Territories.

Which Lake is known for its unique jellyfish?

Jellyfish Lake, located in Palau in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its unique population of golden jellyfish.