The largest and most terrible bodies of water in the world. The most dangerous lake in the world: find out why it is called the killer lake

Water gives life to all living things, but it also happens that water becomes a murder weapon. There are many deadly bodies of water on our planet that you should stay away from. In our review we will talk about some of them.

1. Lake Karachay (Chelyabinsk region, Russia)

Karachay is the most dangerous radioactive lake in the world

Not far from the Mayak chemical plant, in the Urals, there is Lake Karachay, known for its radioactive waters. This facility produces nuclear fuel, components of nuclear weapons, and disposes of waste. Since the 1950s, thousands of tons of radioactive waste have been dumped into the lake. Anyone staying on the lake for more than an hour risked receiving a lethal dose of radiation. This has made Karachay one of the deadliest places on the planet.

Liquidation of Lake Karachay using shielded special equipment

Due to the drying up of the lake and the spread of dangerous radioactive dust, it was decided to remove it. Having spent 17 billion rubles, in 2015 the lake was finally filled with concrete and covered with soil. But still, this is definitely not the best place to relax.

2. Boiling Lake (Dominica)

Boiling lake in Dominica

The hottest lake in the world is Boiling Lake on the island of Dominica. It is located in the Valley of Despair. The water in it reaches a temperature of 92 degrees Celsius.

The hottest place in the lake

During the rainy season, temperatures can drop to 10 degrees, but even then, swimming is strictly prohibited. Hot springs continue to flow underwater, and lava may even flow. This is as common as the fact that at times the water level drops sharply and then quickly rises again. All this madness is the result of volcanic activity.

3. Citarum River (West Java, Indonesia)

Typical landscape of the Citarum River

Supplying water to an estimated 28 million people, Indonesia's Citarum River is also one of the most polluted rivers in the world, if not the dirtiest. This is because hundreds of industrial units have made it a habit to pollute water by dumping textile waste and garbage.

Life on the river bank is not always a fairy tale

Local families who once lived by fishing have switched to collecting recyclables from the river, such as plastic bottles, rubber gloves, and even broken chair legs. But the future doesn't look entirely bleak. In 2011, a $4 billion, 15-year project began to save the river and the people who depend on it.

4. Rio Tinto (Andalusia, Spain)

Crimson River in southern Spain

Around 3000 BC, rich deposits of gold, silver, copper and other valuable minerals began to be mined in the areas around the Rio Tinto (Red River) in southern Spain. Since then, the water has been contaminated with heavy metals, mining chemicals and acids.

And in such water there is life!

As a result, the waters of the river acquired a screaming red color. Surprisingly, they are not devoid of life. Bacteria live there that can live in extreme conditions.

5. Blue Lagoon (Derbyshire, UK)

The water looks like it's on the Mediterranean coast

The Blue Lagoon in England is actually a former quarry that was flooded after it closed. And this is the last place where you would want to go relax and swim with your family. The water is tinted turquoise by calcite, which is washed out of the limestone rock. And calcium oxides increase the alkalinity of water to dangerous levels.

The rectangular outline of the former quarry is visible

The water contains a lot of garbage, but locals do not refuse to swim in the Blue Lagoon. In their opinion, if you do not dive headlong, there will be no harm to your health.

6. Horseshoe Lake (California, USA)

Scenic view of Mammoth Mountain

California is home to sun, surf, and toxic lakes like Horseshoe Lake, located in the Mammoth Lakes region. Horseshoe emits high concentrations of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Harmful gases are produced by underground volcanoes throughout the area.

Dead forest near Horseshoe Lake

The toxic mixture of gases has already destroyed 170 hectares of trees, and even killed people. A healthy 58-year-old hiker died in 1998, and three park patrol workers died in 2006.

7. Mono Lake (California, USA)

Lime-tuff towers of Mono Lake

Mono Lake, also located in California, is one of the oldest lakes in the United States, and one of the deadliest. In the absence of flowing rivers, due to evaporation, the water level decreases and a large amount of salts is deposited in the lake. This makes it three times as salty as the oceans and gives it a pH balance of 10. While the salt led to the amazing limestone tuff columns, it also made the lake much more dangerous.

Super salty Mono Lake creates wonders

Microscopic shrimp, flies and some types of algae are the only inhabitants of the pond. Any birds will not be able to live long if they decide to get drunk. Of course, water is not always poisonous, as toxicity varies depending on depth and time of year.

8. Lake Kivu (between Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo)

Scenic view of Lake Kivu in Rwanda

Lake Kivu in East Africa is scary not because of its location or the composition of the water. It is deadly due to the huge amount of methane and carbon dioxide contained at the bottom. By themselves, these gases are harmless, but they can immediately come to the surface during a volcanic eruption or earthquake. Since there are many volcanoes in this area, you can hear the ticking of a time bomb from Lake Kivu. There is a constant danger of a methane explosion or carbon dioxide suffocation of the two million people living in the surrounding area. Also, the disaster could be caused by some kind of violation when trying to extract these gases. The first towers for the extraction of methane from this rich deposit have already been installed on the lake.

The lake is a great place to have fun with friends and family. Beautiful nature, cool water and fresh air, isn’t this paradise? The lakes listed below are beautiful, but even the most adventurous would not dare to relax on their shores. We have already talked about the incredibly beautiful, but creepy, where animals turn into stone sculptures. Here is our list of the most dangerous lakes that are incredibly deadly. The Horseshoe Lake, located in California, is believed to be the source of dangerous toxic gases that ultimately kill nearby trees. The lake is located next to the Mammoth Mountains. In 1989, there was a massive destruction of nearby trees. It was believed that toxic gases that had accumulated beneath the Mammoth Mountains exploded during the earthquake, causing massive loss of trees. The accumulated gases were caused by the presence of lava beneath the Mammoth Mountains. The lake is considered dangerous for humans because it contains excess carbon dioxide.
Lake Michigan means “Lake of Lakes” as it is found in combination with other lakes in North America and Canada. The word Michigan comes from the word “mishigami”, meaning big water. Lake Michigan is considered deadly and has killed many people due to the strong undercurrent that is impossible to resist. The lake becomes a real monster during October and November.
Karachaevskoe Lake, also called “Karachaev” is one of the deadliest lakes in the entire world. It is located in Russia between the Ural Mountains, where mysterious radioactive experiments were carried out. Since 1951, the site has been selected for radioactive and nuclear disposal. The radioactive concentration is so high that the visit can cause damage to internal organs. Being on the lake for an hour can result in a lethal dose of radiation. The waste deposits settle at a depth of only 3.5 meters under the lake.
Lake Monun is a dangerous place in Cameroon. In 1984, an explosion there killed about 37 people in what was initially suspected to be a terrorist attack. Further investigation revealed that the main cause of death was excess carbon dioxide released at the explosion site. The monstrous lake killed people in the middle of the night with a terrible gas explosion. People living along the lake suffered skin burns and fatal suffocation.
Rakshastal Lake, located in Tibet, is one of the most beautiful lakes in the entire world. However, due to the high salt content in the lake, it is impossible for any organism to live. Nearby residents consider Rakshastal Lake to be poisonous, as there are no plants or aquatic animals preserved in it. The name “Rakshastal”, which means “darkness”, suits the lake perfectly.
Lake of the Ozarks is one of the deadliest lakes in the world and the deadliest in the United States. Lake of the Ozarks seems pretty cool compared to other dangerous lakes, but the risk of getting killed here is extremely high. The main reason is the presence of E-Coli bacteria in the lake, which causes food poisoning and other fatal diseases. Bacteria accumulate in the Lake of the Ozarks due to nearby wastewater flowing directly into the lake.
Lake Nyos is located in the northwestern regions of Cameroon. It is currently an inactive volcanic lake and there is evidence of a huge accumulation of lava here. The lake is deadly because the water is in the form of carbonic acid, which can burn human skin. It caused an unforeseen disaster in 1986 when a cloud of carbon dioxide rose from the lake, suffocating 1,746 people in nearby communities.
Lake Kivu is a deadly lake that lies on the border of the Democratic Republic of Rwanda and Congo. Lake Kivu is believed to be filled with large quantities of chemical waste, consisting mainly of 65 cubic kilometers of methane and 256 cubic kilometers of carbon dioxide. The site has also been widely used as a radioactive dump site, and the accumulation of this waste can now kill anyone within minutes.
As the name suggests, Boiling Lake is the most dangerous lake in the world with water temperatures of around 82-87 C. The lake is located within the Dominica World Heritage Site. Since 1870, there have been many changes in elevation as well as water temperature. However, no one dared to measure the temperature from the center of the lake, since records showed that the epicenter was filled with a large amount of molten lava. There is no direct road to the lake; the nearest road is 13 km away.

Changes in the environment have always occurred. Previously, people attributed evil spirits or evil spirits to such phenomena. Today everything has changed, and now he himself has become this “evil spirit” and “evil spirit”.

Rio Tinto, Spain

Rio Tinto is a river in southwestern Spain in the autonomous region of Andalusia. It originates in the north of the province of Huelva. There it merges with the Odiell River, forming the common estuary Ria de Huelva.

The waters of the river are colored red. This is due to the high concentration of copper, iron and water acidity. For several hundred years, mining has been carried out in the upper reaches of the river, which has led to water pollution. There are no fish there. And no matter how hot it is, we strictly do not recommend getting your feet wet in Rio Tinto.

Source: eco-turizm.net

Boiling Lake, Dominica

This lake could well become a thermal resort, if not for one thing: the water temperature in the reservoir ranges from 82 to 91.5 °C. Not only is it not recommended to swim in the lake, but even going close to it is prohibited. Although, if you want to be boiled alive, then you are welcome.

Citarum, Indonesia

The Citarum is a 300-kilometer river in Indonesia. The river plays an important role in the lives of the people of West Java: it is used to support agriculture, water supply, industry, sewerage, etc.

The Citarum Basin is home to approximately five million people. Over many years of using local waters, these residents have turned the river into a real garbage dump. If you take water for a sample, you can find almost all the elements of the periodic table in it. Needless to say, the concentration of most of them is several times higher than permissible standards.

Source: rumbur.ru

Kivu, Africa

Lake Kivu is a freshwater time bomb with a volume of 500 cubic kilometers, located on the border of Rwanda and Congo. More than 250 km³ of carbon dioxide and about 65 km³ of methane are hidden under the water column. The lake is located in a rift valley that is gradually growing, causing volcanic activity, which in turn can lead to an explosion. The last volcanic eruption in the area caused the water in the lake to boil, and the fish were boiled alive.

Source: forum-grad.ru

Karachay, Russia

Karachay is a lake in the Chelyabinsk region. Since October 1951, it has been used for storing radioactive waste at the Mayak PA. According to some data, today there are about 120 million curies of radioactive materials in the reservoir. From 1986 to the present, work has been underway to fill the reservoir.

In 2015, the Russian authorities plan to completely put an end to this horror. But even these measures cannot prevent radioactive contamination of groundwater in the underground space, which may well serve as one of the sources of nutrition for nearby reservoirs.

Potomac River, USA

The Potomac is a river in the eastern United States that flows into the Chesapeake Bay of the Atlantic Ocean. The length together with the South Potomac River is 590 km, with the estuary 780 km.

Industrial and radioactive waste is not dumped into this river. But it is no less dangerous. All due to strong undercurrents. Together with rapids and waterfalls, these seemingly calm areas are fraught with a deadly threat, which annually claims dozens of lives of water extreme sports enthusiasts.

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Most people cannot imagine a vacation without relaxing by the water, be it a lake, river, sea or even the ocean. However, on our planet there are a lot of bodies of water, recreation on which can be deadly.

website will tell you about several places on Earth that, despite their beauty, are hardly worth choosing for a quiet and serene pastime.

10. Great Blue Hole, Belize

During high tides, the Great Blue Hole turns into a giant funnel that sucks in everything that is on the surface of the water, and during low tides, huge jets of water sometimes erupt from it. Despite this, there are many people who want to see this cave, because Jacques-Yves Cousteau himself called the Great Blue Hole one of the best diving places on Earth.

9. Jacob's Well, Texas, USA

The 10-meter natural well with absolutely clear water is one of the most dangerous diving sites in the world. At the bottom of Jacob's well there are several entrances to an extensive system of caves, from which not everyone is able to get out onto land.

8. Lake Michigan, USA

Lake Michigan has almost the same fame as the Bermuda Triangle, since it was over it that one of the largest plane crashes on the North American continent occurred, the cause of which was never clarified.

However, mysticism aside, the lake poses a real danger due to currents that form suddenly and, according to some reports, claim several dozen lives every year.

7. Lake Natron, Tanzania

Covered with a crust of salt that periodically turns red, Lake Natron is one of the most saline and alkaline on Earth. In some places, the water temperature reaches 50 °C, which, coupled with high alkalinity, makes the lake practically uninhabitable: it is home to only three species of fish that have adapted to extreme conditions.

6. Blue Hole, Dahab

The Blue Hole is considered one of the most dangerous places for diving on our planet, since many divers have died in this 130-meter karst cave. However, experienced divers say that people with appropriate training and extensive diving experience can dive without fear, because the death of divers is usually caused by nitrogen narcosis and insufficient air supply during ascent.

5. Horseshoe Lake, USA

Carbon dioxide, which is released from cracks in the bottom of Horseshoe Lake, is dangerous for all living things. The lake was responsible for the death of 4 people, as well as trees growing on 40 hectares around it. Signs on all access roads warn about the danger that the lake poses.

4. Boiling Lake, Dominica

The temperature of this mountain lake, the ascent to which takes up to 8 hours, can rise above 92 °C. The reason for this is jets of hot air gushing from underground, which sometimes coexist with jets of lava. Swimming in this lake is strictly prohibited, even if the characteristic bubbles are not visible - boiling begins in a matter of seconds.

Lakes can be special places that make you remember family vacations or unforgettable summer camps. But not all lakes have the charm of shoreline trees. Some lakes get wild when inclement weather approaches, and those fed by glacial springs can be dangerously cold (though crystal clear).

There are also lakes that are deadly. Some of them are so insidious that even their presence on the shore can be fatal. Acidic water or volcanic fumes pose a serious threat, and there are examples of lakes with high concentrations of gases that literally explode.

Here are a few lakes to stay away from:

Lake Kawah Ijen, Indonesia

Volcano Ijen is an Indonesian volcano with the largest acidic lake in the world. The water in the crater's reservoirs is a bright turquoise color. However, it is not worth swimming here. Not only does the acidity in this lake dwarf lemon juice, the water is more dangerous than battery acid. The lake influences local life in the region. Even far downstream, farmers are faced with abnormal pH levels in their irrigation water. Closer to the volcano, miners are working to collect sulfur. The presence of toxic gases makes this a very dangerous job, especially since most workers do not wear masks, but only cover their faces with cloth.

The sulfur inside Ijen ignites when it comes into contact with air. This creates a unique phenomenon: the gases burn with an intense blue flame. This is a dangerous but at the same time exciting night light show.

Laguna Caliente, Costa Rica

Volcano Poas, in central Costa Rica, has two crater lakes. Lake Botos is located in an inactive crater that has not erupted for thousands of years. It is a pleasant place with clear water, surrounded by thick fog. Another crater lake, Laguna Caliente, differs significantly from it. This is one of the most acidic lakes in the world, with acid levels higher than that of a car battery. Obviously, you won't want to swim in the water, but the lake can create acid rain and acid fog, which can affect people even if they're not near the shoreline.

It is often impossible to get close to this lake. Poas is still one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Eruptions and activity within a volcano can cause dangerous releases of gases and ash. For safety reasons, authorities in the national park surrounding the volcano often establish a 3 km perimeter around the crater.

Lake Nyos, Cameroon

One of the deadliest lake disasters in recent history occurred in northern Cameroon in 1986. The disaster was caused by a rare phenomenon known as a "limnological catastrophe." This phenomenon occurs when dissolved CO2 in deep lakes suddenly erupts from the water due to a change in pressure. This eruption creates a large cloud of carbon dioxide that can suffocate animals and people because the carbon displaces all the oxygen. The 1986 eruption at Lake Nyos killed more than 1,700 people. It is reported that the gas cloud spread at a speed of more than 100 km/h, to a distance of about 25 km from the lake shore.

Another lake in Cameroon, Lake Monoun, experienced a similar but less deadly eruption in 1984. As a result of this disaster, 37 people died. Both lakes are currently being degassed to prevent future problems. Lake Monone is reportedly safe now because all the gas has been removed, but the larger Lake Nyos continues to extract it.

Boiling Lake, Dominica

Boiling Lake is a boiling body of water on the island of Dominica in the Caribbean Sea. The lake is a fumarole, a hole in the earth's crust, which is filled with sediment and fed by two small streams. Underwater lava and gases from a nearby volcano heat the water. Around the coastlines, scientists measured temperatures between 82 and 92°. However, they were unable to obtain readings from the middle of the lake, where the water is actively boiling.

The lake is a popular destination for tourists who must walk for several hours to reach the place. This is the second largest boiling lake on Earth. (The largest is Lake Frying Pan in New Zealand.) A cloud of steam usually hovers over the lake, and the depths, thought to exceed 60 meters, can fluctuate depending on rainfall levels.

Lake Kivu, Congo and Rwanda

Lake Kivu lies on the Democratic Republic of Congo's border with Rwanda. Its area is estimated to be more than 2,700 km², and its maximum depth exceeds 480 m. Like lakes Monoun and Nyos in Cameroon, Kivu has experienced carbon dioxide emissions, but this dangerous phenomenon has not been observed recently. Scientists have found evidence suggesting that such emissions occurred approximately once every millennium. Due to the amount of CO2 and methane in the lake, as well as the densely populated coastline, the "limnological disaster" will claim the lives of many more people than the two disasters in Cameroon.

Energy companies extract methane from the lake for use as fuel. This helped meet Rwanda's rapidly developing energy needs while also reducing the risk of a future eruption. However, there are questions about whether mining will upset the current pressure balance that keeps deadly gases deep underwater. In Congo, energy demand makes Lake Kivu gases an attractive source of energy, despite the potential risks.

Quilotoa, Ecuador

Lake Quilotoa was formed in the 13th century due to a massive volcanic eruption. This body of water is known for its picturesque turquoise color. It is difficult to reach because the lake is located in a difficult area, at an altitude of 3914 m. Most people visit the lake as part of a multi-day trek in the mountainous surroundings.

The biggest danger for tourists is usually altitude sickness. Some of the trails around the lake are prone to erosion, so falling from heights is also a problem. Due to high acidity, there are no living organisms in the lake. Some believe swimming is dangerous due to acidity, while others say colder temperatures at this altitude will harm swimmers before the acid causes any damage. Tourists can take a motorboat cruise on the lake, rent a canoe or kayak.

Mount Rainier Crater, Washington, USA

The crater lake at the top of Mount Rainier is always covered with snow and ice. The lake can only be reached through a cave. These ice caves can prove deadly because they contain dangerous gases such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Scientists who study and try to map a cave system must have equipment to monitor the release of gases to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

The sulfuric acid that is in the crater lake literally eats the volcanic rocks. Why do people visit such an inhospitable place? Mount Rainier is popular with climbers, who often take refuge in caves when the weather at the summit turns bad. In addition to volcanologists and explorers, the caves also attract scientists who want to learn about the living organisms that live in this harsh environment.

Lake Karachay, Russia

Lake Karachay, located in the Chelyabinsk region of Russia, is the most polluted place on earth. It was used for the disposal of radioactive waste from the Mayak production association. Radiation levels were so high that in the early 1990s, anyone standing on the lake's shore could survive for no more than 60 minutes.

In an attempt to control the fallout, authorities began filling the lake with cement. This project was started in the 1986s and appears to have been somewhat successful. Nearby communities have seen a decline in radiation-related illnesses and birth defects, and water in downstream rivers has become significantly cleaner. However, the project to test local groundwater is still in the very early stages, and parts of the lake that are largely cemented remain highly contaminated.