Thermokarst lakes are a unique and fascinating feature of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, formed by the thawing of permafrost and the subsequent collapse of the ground surface. These lakes are not only visually striking but also play a crucial role in the global climate system, as they release significant amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Additionally, thermokarst lakes provide essential habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, and they are of great importance to the indigenous communities that rely on them for subsistence fishing and hunting.
As the Earth’s climate continues to warm, the formation and growth of thermokarst lakes are expected to accelerate, making it increasingly important to understand their distribution, characteristics, and ecological significance. In this article, we will explore the top 12 largest thermokarst lakes in the world, delving into their unique features, environmental impacts, and the challenges they face in a changing climate.
Lake Liaozaohe, China
Lake Liaozaohe, located in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of China, is the largest thermokarst lake in the world. This massive lake covers an area of approximately 538 square kilometers (208 square miles) and is situated at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) above sea level. The lake is fed by the melting of permafrost and glaciers in the surrounding mountains, and it is a crucial source of water for the region’s ecosystems and human populations.
The formation of Lake Liaozaohe is a result of the thawing of permafrost, which has been accelerated by rising temperatures in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. As the permafrost thaws, the ground surface collapses, creating depressions that fill with water from the melting ice. This process has led to the expansion of the lake over time, and it is expected to continue growing as the climate warms further.
Lake El’gygytgyn, Russia
Lake El’gygytgyn, located in the far northeastern corner of Russia, is the second-largest thermokarst lake in the world. This ancient lake, which was formed by a meteorite impact around 3.6 million years ago, covers an area of approximately 110 square kilometers (42 square miles) and has a maximum depth of 175 meters (574 feet).
What makes Lake El’gygytgyn particularly unique is its location in an area of continuous permafrost, which has helped to preserve a detailed record of the region’s climate history in the lake sediments. Scientists have studied these sediments to gain insights into past climate changes and to better understand the potential impacts of future warming on the Arctic environment.
Lake Yathkyed, Canada
Lake Yathkyed, located in the Nunavut Territory of Canada, is the third-largest thermokarst lake in the world. This lake covers an area of approximately 88 square kilometers (34 square miles) and is situated in a region of discontinuous permafrost.
The formation of Lake Yathkyed is a result of the thawing of permafrost and the subsequent collapse of the ground surface, which has created a complex network of shallow basins that are interconnected by narrow channels. The lake is an important habitat for a variety of aquatic plant and animal species, and it is a crucial resource for the indigenous communities that rely on it for subsistence fishing.
Lake Nettilling, Canada
Lake Nettilling, located on Baffin Island in the Nunavut Territory of Canada, is the fourth-largest thermokarst lake in the world. This lake covers an area of approximately 56 square kilometers (22 square miles) and is situated in a region of continuous permafrost.
Lake Nettilling is a relatively shallow lake, with an average depth of around 3 meters (10 feet), and it is surrounded by a complex network of smaller thermokarst lakes and ponds. The lake is an important habitat for a variety of migratory bird species, and it is a crucial resource for the indigenous communities that rely on it for subsistence hunting and fishing.
Lake Kyutyunda, Russia
Lake Kyutyunda, located in the Yakutia region of Russia, is the fifth-largest thermokarst lake in the world. This lake covers an area of approximately 48 square kilometers (19 square miles) and is situated in a region of continuous permafrost.
The formation of Lake Kyutyunda is a result of the thawing of permafrost and the subsequent collapse of the ground surface, which has created a complex network of shallow basins that are interconnected by narrow channels. The lake is an important habitat for a variety of aquatic plant and animal species, and it is a crucial resource for the indigenous communities that rely on it for subsistence fishing.
Lake Nitchaku, Russia
Lake Nitchaku, located in the Yakutia region of Russia, is the sixth-largest thermokarst lake in the world. This lake covers an area of approximately 36 square kilometers (14 square miles) and is situated in a region of continuous permafrost.
The formation of Lake Nitchaku is a result of the thawing of permafrost, which has led to the collapse of the ground surface and the creation of a shallow basin that is fed by the melting of ice-rich permafrost. The lake is an important habitat for a variety of aquatic plant and animal species, and it is a crucial resource for the indigenous communities that rely on it for subsistence fishing.
Lake 15-Lake, United States
Lake 15-Lake, located in the Yukon River Basin of Alaska, United States, is the seventh-largest thermokarst lake in the world. This lake covers an area of approximately 32 square kilometers (12 square miles) and is situated in a region of discontinuous permafrost.
The formation of Lake 15-Lake is a result of the thawing of permafrost and the subsequent collapse of the ground surface, which has created a shallow basin that is fed by the melting of ice-rich permafrost. The lake is an important habitat for a variety of aquatic plant and animal species, and it is a crucial resource for the indigenous communities that rely on it for subsistence fishing.
Lake Ulakhan-Kyuele, Russia
Lake Ulakhan-Kyuele, located in the Yakutia region of Russia, is the eighth-largest thermokarst lake in the world. This lake covers an area of approximately 30 square kilometers (12 square miles) and is situated in a region of continuous permafrost.
The formation of Lake Ulakhan-Kyuele is a result of the thawing of permafrost, which has led to the collapse of the ground surface and the creation of a shallow basin that is fed by the melting of ice-rich permafrost. The lake is an important habitat for a variety of aquatic plant and animal species, and it is a crucial resource for the indigenous communities that rely on it for subsistence fishing.
Lake Chukochye, Russia
Lake Chukochye, located in the Yakutia region of Russia, is the ninth-largest thermokarst lake in the world. This lake covers an area of approximately 28 square kilometers (11 square miles) and is situated in a region of continuous permafrost.
The formation of Lake Chukochye is a result of the thawing of permafrost, which has led to the collapse of the ground surface and the creation of a shallow basin that is fed by the melting of ice-rich permafrost. The lake is an important habitat for a variety of aquatic plant and animal species, and it is a crucial resource for the indigenous communities that rely on it for subsistence fishing.
Lake Sattajärvi, Finland
Lake Sattajärvi, located in the northern region of Finland, is the eleventh-largest thermokarst lake in the world. This lake covers an area of approximately 24 square kilometers (9 square miles) and is situated in a region of discontinuous permafrost.
The formation of Lake Sattajärvi is a result of the thawing of permafrost and the subsequent collapse of the ground surface, which has created a shallow basin that is fed by the melting of ice-rich permafrost. The lake is an important habitat for a variety of aquatic plant and animal species, and it is a crucial resource for the local communities that rely on it for recreational activities and tourism.
Lake Khamra, Russia
Lake Khamra, located in the Yakutia region of Russia, is the twelfth-largest thermokarst lake in the world. This lake covers an area of approximately 22 square kilometers (8 square miles) and is situated in a region of continuous permafrost.
The formation of Lake Khamra is a result of the thawing of permafrost, which has led to the collapse of the ground surface and the creation of a shallow basin that is fed by the melting of ice-rich permafrost. The lake is an important habitat for a variety of aquatic plant and animal species, and it is a crucial resource for the indigenous communities that rely on it for subsistence fishing.
Conclusion
Thermokarst lakes are a unique and important feature of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, playing a crucial role in the global climate system and providing essential habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. As the Earth’s climate continues to warm, the formation and growth of these lakes are expected to accelerate, making it increasingly important to understand their distribution, characteristics, and ecological significance.
The top 12 largest thermokarst lakes in the world, which are located in China, Russia, Canada, the United States, and Finland, are a testament to the scale and complexity of these unique ecosystems. These lakes are not only visually striking but also provide crucial resources for the indigenous communities that rely on them for subsistence fishing, hunting, and other activities.
However, the rapid thawing of permafrost and the expansion of thermokarst lakes also present significant challenges for the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. As these lakes release large amounts of methane into the atmosphere, they contribute to the warming of the Earth’s climate, creating a feedback loop that accelerates the thawing of permafrost and the formation of even more thermokarst lakes.
To address these challenges, it is essential that we continue to study and monitor thermokarst lakes, as well as develop strategies for mitigating their impacts on the global climate system. This will require a collaborative effort among scientists, policymakers, and local communities, working together to understand and address the complex interactions between permafrost, thermokarst lakes, and the Earth’s climate.
By protecting and preserving these unique and valuable ecosystems, we can help to ensure a more sustainable and resilient future for the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, as well as for the planet as a whole. The top 12 largest thermokarst lakes in the world serve as a reminder of the importance and fragility of these ecosystems, and the urgent need for action to address the challenges they face in a changing climate.