Nature Photography How To

This Happened When Kristina Makeeva Took a Stroll on the Deepest, Cleanest Lake On Earth

Ron Leach  |  Jan 18, 2017

Russian photographer Kristina Makeeva decided to spend three days exploring frozen Lake Baikal, the deepest, oldest, and cleanest lake on Earth. While walking the frozen surface of the lake, she made these captivating Images.

Located in Southern Siberia, Lake Baikal is the large freshwater lake in the world by volume and has a maximum depth of 5,387 ft. And at 25 million years, it’s considered the oldest.

The clarity of Lake Baikal, even when frozen, contributed to the impact of Makeeva’s stunning images. While she didn’t capture any wildlife on her adventure, Baikal is home to thousands of plants and animals—many of which exist nowhere else in the world.

Despite frigid temperatures in winter, it’s not uncommon to see stalwart hikers, cyclists and ice skaters on the frozen lake until it begins to thaw in May. Prior to thawing the ice is continually cracking, which is why fish and other animals beneath the surface don’t die from a lack of oxygen.

The bubbles in the ice make for great photographs, and are the result of methane gas produced by algae in the water. The huge lake measures 373 miles in length and the surface ice can be up to six feet thick—able to support vehicles weighing up to 10 tons in the dead of winter.

You can see more of Makeeva’s beautiful work on her Instagram page, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @ShutterbugPix where we’re sharing our favorite photos from our followers.

X