Acid lake of Ijen volcano. Lake of Death in Sicily - dangerous beauty Lake of Death in Sicily

Lake of Death in Sicily represents a striking dissonance with the island's reputation as a place for carefree holidays and fun activities. But this is only the first moment when a complacent tourist first hears about this natural phenomenon. What follows is a desire to learn more about an unusual place.

This fact does not pose any danger to travelers. It only awakens the desire to expand your knowledge about Italy and makes your impressions of Sicily even more vivid.

There is something for the most demanding traveler to see in Sicily. The uniqueness and attractiveness of this corner of the Earth lies in the huge number of attractions: real and mystical, dangerous and comfortable, ancient and modern. The flavor of true Italy is one of the symbols of the wonderful island.

Symbols of Sicily

The individuality and prestige of any self-respecting geographical object, be it a city, sea, country or region, is characterized by symbols. They are simply a must have when it comes to popularity. The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris, penguins are a symbol of Antarctica, sakura is a symbol of Japan, lasagna is a symbol of Italian cuisine.

Sicily can be proud of a whole range of such remarkable features. Among them are Mount Etna, the Aeolian Islands, ancient Syracuse, the Valley of the Temples, the Ear of Dionysius rock, blood oranges and the best ice cream in Italy. In addition to beautiful and tasty symbols, there are mysterious and creepy ones: the Sicilian mafia, Trinacria, Lake of Death, Capuchin Catacombs.

Everyone who knows how to read and watch films knows about the famous mafia, its clans, and Don Corleone. And, although no one has been running around with knives and pistols in the quiet of the night in the capital of Sicily, Palermo, for a long time, the “mafia” brand is still in demand and popular. Mentions in the names of local cuisine, in various souvenirs, and even the organization of special tours dedicated to the mafia (a la “Places of Military Glory”).

Sinister Lake of Death

This mysterious symbol of Italy is located in a rather inaccessible place in the province of Catania. Excursions to it are made mainly by scientists and researchers. Curious tourists can also be found in its surroundings. But very rarely, too extreme a trip.

The lake and everything around it is dead. No plants, no insects. Only an unpleasant film on the surface of the water of a strange color, and a smell reminiscent of the underworld.

The fact is that the lake contains a lot of sulfuric acid. Nothing living or organic can exist in it. It is impossible to get close: the suffocating smell, the air that hurts the eyes, saturated with toxic fumes, simply will not allow you to do this. Researchers wear special equipment before taking samples from the lake.

So the legends that mafiosi specifically dragged “Those Who Reject Offers That Cannot Be Refused” here to be dunked or drowned in deadly waters are hardly real.

Curious extreme sports enthusiasts sometimes even doubt the existence of the “attraction”. The fact is that the lake usually appears in the winter, and in the summer it seems to dry up, or rather, disappear.

As scientists have found out, the sources of this symbol of Italy are underground wells going deep into the Earth. Most likely, they are associated with volcanic processes that continuously occur in the depths of the island. Local legend attributes the deadly properties of the reservoir to the curse of a wandering monk, who was displeased by the inhabitants of the surrounding area.

Three-legged symbol of Sicily

Sicily is shaped like a triangle. It is on this basis that the island was named “Trinacria” by the ancient Greeks. Three seas, three capes, three archipelagos seem to confirm this feature.

The triskelion became the symbol of Trinacria. The oldest symbol of humanity, representing three running legs connected at one point. Not only in Italy, but also in Buryatia, Japan, and on the Isle of Man there was this amulet. He indicated in different places and at different times the positions of the sun, the course of history, the whirlwind of the heavenly bodies.

But in Sicily the triskelion is special. In the middle of the symbol is a woman's face. It was originally believed to belong to one of the three terrible Gorgon sisters - Medusa. She had snakes instead of hair, and she could kill with her eyes. Currently, only the ability of the triskelion to protect from enemies with a glance has remained from the previous legend. But the image itself is not associated with Medusa the Gorgon. Of course, this is the face of a beautiful, kind deity.

The flag of Sicily belongs to the landmarks of Italy. It is painted in the colors of its two most famous cities: the capital Palermo and Corleone. In the middle of the cloth is the trinacria symbol. The woman's face in the center is surrounded by ears of wheat (not snakes at all). This symbolizes the fertility of the island's lands.

Sights of Trinacria

The cities of Sicily keep in their names the aroma of antiquity and myths. Their attractions are so diverse and beautiful that they have made the island a place of pilgrimage for tourists. Ancient Greek, ancient Roman, baroque architecture of buildings peacefully coexists with modern lines of hotels and restaurants. Incredibly beautiful nature reserves complement the bliss of a luxurious beach holiday.

To fully enjoy your holiday in Sicily, you need a lot of time. Many of the island's attractions are worth seeing. There is a popularity rating that determines the most visited and beloved places by tourists.

Incredibly picturesque, delighting everyone who saw it. The highest active volcano in Europe. A reason for pride for all of Italy. It makes no sense to name the exact height of Etna: due to regular mini-eruptions, it is constantly changing. For the same reason, there are no accurate slope maps. But experienced local guides take curious travelers to the crater itself along three famous trails.

Catacombs of the Capuchins

The world's most unusual exhibition of mummies. There are more than eight thousand of them here. Mummified, skeletonized, embalmed - they arouse the constant interest of the living. A very picturesque road leads to this unique museum.

Among the archaeological finds of Italy, this rocky crevice is the very first and most valuable attraction. The depth of the cave going inside is 65 meters. The entrance, carved into the rock, resembles an auricle. It reaches a height of 23 meters.

According to legend, the cruel Dionysius drove guilty slaves here, ordered them to be beaten, and listened to the screams of the tortured. It is unknown how true the legend is. But the acoustics in the cave are truly incredible. The shape of the cave or legend became the source of the name of one of the types of auditory tubes by otolaryngologists.

On our planet there are a huge number of beautiful bodies of water, which differ radically from each other in their colors, composition, size and other characteristics.

1. Acid lake, Sicily.

The Sicilian lake is the most dangerous in the world. Its waters contain a high concentration of sulfuric acid, which enters the lake from underground sources. Naturally, there are no fish in the lake and coming close to it is deadly for both animals and humans. Local residents nicknamed this body of water the Lake of Death. However, it is precisely this composition of the lake that makes it stunningly beautiful.

2. Jellyfish Lake, Palau.

In the Republic of Palau there is a one-of-a-kind lake that is home to several million golden and moon jellyfish. Diving in the underwater space of this lake turns into a breathtaking adventure. You will not be able to see such an enchanting spectacle anywhere else.

3. Morning Glory Lake, Yellowstone.

Another beautiful lake is located in Yellowstone National Park, in the United States of America. To be more precise, this body of water is a hot spring, which originally had a crystal blue color. Over time, numerous tourists to the park littered its waters with coins, causing the lake to change color to an emerald hue at its deepest point, and at the edges it became bright yellow.

4. Peach Lake, Trinidad.

The asphalt lake Peach Lake rightfully deserves the title of one of the most unusual lakes in the world. It is located in the crater of a mud volcano and you won’t be able to swim in it. This reservoir contains natural asphalt, which has the ability to attract stationary objects. This is the only lake on which you can walk.

5. Lake Hillier, Australia.

This is one of the most beautiful pink lakes on our planet. The completely unexpected color of this lake attracts many tourists to Australia, but scientists still cannot determine the reason for this color of the water. The landscapes of this place are unique, because the pink lake is located very close to the coast of the Indian Ocean, which creates a sharp contrast of colors.

6. Kliluk Lake, Canada.

Lake Kliluk is also called spotted lake because the mineral rocks contained in its waters, depending on the time of year, form hard mounds on which you can walk. And between such passages there are small lakes that shimmer in different colors from the sun’s rays. Today, the territory of the lake is fenced off, and tourists cannot approach the water, although even the view of such water spots is stunning.

7. Lake Gippsland, Australia.

There is a completely unique luminous lake in the world, in the waters of which bioluminescent living organisms live. Of course, the glow mainly occurs at night, but it can also be seen during the day in the falling rays of the sun penetrating into the depths of the lake.

8. Lakes Kelimutu, Indonesia.

In Indonesia you can see the fantastic landscapes of three crater lakes, which can change color according to their mood. Basically, the lakes take on the color of blue, olive and blood red. To climb to the top of the volcano, a special path was made for tourists, but not everyone uses it, but goes around it along the edge of the lakes, which is very dangerous due to the vapors emanating from the water.

9. Lake Balkhash, Kazakhstan.

This lake is special because it consists of salt and fresh water. A small peninsula divides it into two parts, which are strikingly different from each other. This lake is a popular destination for fishermen and hunters as it is home to many species of fish and birds.

10. Lake Nakuru, Kenya.

This Kenyan lake is considered one of the most amazing sights on the entire planet. Its unusualness lies not only in its nature, but also in its inhabitants. Since the lake has high salinity, there is practically no fish here, but this place is very popular with birds, namely pink flamingos. The number of these birds is simply amazing, because here you can see thousands and even more species of large and small flamingos, which is not something you see every day.

11. Lake of Five Flowers, China.

The lake is located in one of the nature reserves in China, Jiuzhaigou. This reservoir has several features: it is the only local water source that does not freeze in the winter, every season the lake changes its color from yellow to green, and its water is so transparent that through great depth you can clearly see the bottom of this amazing swimming pool

12. Lake Hamilton Pool, USA.

In Texas you can see a very amazing lake, which is both underground and above ground. Hamilton Pool has in its water area a 15-meter waterfall, a beautiful arch made of limestone rocks, and of course, a picturesque lake that many tourists from all over the world love to visit.

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 emissions of carbon dioxide, 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 as 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.

The Maly Semyachik volcano (Mount Srezannaya, Maly Semiachik Volcano, Srezannaya mountain) is part of the Karymsky group of volcanoes and is located 15 km northeast of the Karymsky volcano and 20 km west of the Kronotsky Bay.

In the crater of the volcano you can observe a real miracle. After all, where else will you find an amazing acid lake, the waters of which are saturated with sulfuric, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric acids and other compounds! It is because of this “explosive mixture” that the waters of the lake in the Maly Semyachik crater have such a fabulous turquoise color.

Let's find out more about the volcano and lake...

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The Maly Semyachik volcano is a short volcanic ridge about 3 km long at the top, consisting of three fused cones: the northern ancient cone, which is the highest - 1560 m, the middle cone with a half-filled crater, and the southwestern cone with a nest of craters, including the active Troitsky crater.

Once on the site of the modern volcano there was a volcano with a base diameter of about 20 km. Approximately 17 thousand years ago, as a result of explosive and collapse processes, a caldera with a diameter of about 15 km was formed. The remains of the disappeared volcano Wall in the form of an arc-shaped ridge are located to the east of the modern volcano.

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The Troitsky crater, named after the surname of V.D. Troitsky, a participant in many Kamchatka expeditions who surveyed Maly Semyachik, is a deep funnel with a diameter of about 700 m, slightly oval in shape, at the bottom of which lies a lake. The steep walls, rising 200 m, are composed of alternating layers of lava and tuff, giving them a striped color. The colors of the fumarole deposits are complemented by white, yellow and greenish tones.

The most remarkable part of this interesting crater in itself is the light green lake. This color is caused by tiny sulfur particles floating in the water column, carried out by underwater fumaroles. The lake temperature is 30-40 °C. Its average diameter is about 500 m, depth is up to 140 m. Descent to the lake is possible only from the north side, along live screes, interrupted by a rocky stepped cliff of about 20 m. Belay with a rope is required. The shores of the lake at the place of descent are littered with large boulders. The water tastes scaldingly sour. When volcanologists examined the lake from a rubber boat, they found it difficult to return: the aluminum oar blades were eaten by acids dissolved in the water. The mineralization of the water is very high, higher than the salt content in sea water. The beautiful light green color of the lake from above is disappointing up close, turning simply muddy.

Photo 4.

The only place where the volcano is active today is the Troitsky crater. In 1945-1946, local residents observed “smoke” rising from the volcano. As it was found later, strong emissions occurred, increasing the area of the crater lake by 8-10%.

At the foot of the volcano there are six side cones. The tops of some of them end in rocks - necks, lava cores frozen in channels.

Maly Semyachik volcano is a natural monument

Photo 5.

The Maly Semyachik volcano group also includes the following volcanoes: Berezovy (or Dvoinoy), Coastal Northern, Coastal Southern, Stepped Bastion, Wall (the remains of a volcano), as well as side cones of the volcano. The entire group is stretched into a short ridge of 3 km, clearly visible from the village of Zhupanovo from the shore of the Pacific Ocean.

A strong catastrophic volcanic eruption occurred around 1800. Streams and ravines were filled up, forests were destroyed, large areas were covered with rubble and sand. The area now occupied by a grove of graceful fir, the only one in Kamchatka, is also covered with sand. Then a weak eruption occurred in 1851-1852. Strong gas emissions were observed in 1945-1946. At this time, a black cloud rose above the crater. In 1952, intense steam was observed above the volcano.

Photo 6.

Descent to the lake is only possible from the northern side along living screes, which are interrupted by a rocky cliff about 20 meters high.

Photo 7.

How to get to the acid lake in Kamchatka?

The transport infrastructure in Kamchatka is very poorly developed. For this reason, travelers have only two options for how to get to the acid lake in the crater of the Maly Semyachik volcano.

Firstly, you can use a helicopter. This is a common way of transportation for Kamchatka. Local tour operators often organize sightseeing tours of Kamchatka, during which a helicopter always flies over the acid lake of Maly Semyachik.

Secondly, you can go to the acid lake on foot as part of a tourist group. Kamchatka travel agencies offer hiking tours in the Kamchatka mountains, the route of which may also pass through the Maly Semyachik volcanoes. It is worth noting that the volcano is located 135 km from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

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The bottom of the lake is pitted with fumaroles, which determine its variable nature. The water level changes from time to time: in one measurement it was 140 meters, in another – 117. The temperature of the lake is also variable. It is almost always hot, but the temperature can vary from just over 20 degrees to almost 60. And more recently, starting in 1992, the lake began to freeze in winter. In some years, there are unfrozen areas on its surface, while in others the snow cover is even. But even when there is snow on the lake, you can smell the sulfur from it. The lake is constantly observed by geologists, and tourists are actively interested in it.

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This time let's talk about volcanoes! What is the beauty and unusualness of these “living mountains”? They simply come to life and “spit” fire, striking fear into the inhabitants. But, as with everything, there are a lot of advantages. Let's talk about these "positive moments." As an example, we suggest taking the current Maly Semyachik volcano in Kamchatka and talk a little about its highlight - the acid lake in the Troitsky crater.

Where is the active volcano Maly Semyachik located?

Maly Semyachik is located on the Eastern Ridge of Kamchatka, just 20 kilometers from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The maximum height of the volcano is 1560 meters above sea level. Its last eruption occurred in 1952, after which an acid lake of turquoise color formed in the crater.

Maly Semyachik is an active volcano in Kamchatka

So why such a strange name “Semyachik”? It turns out that it is connected with the word “shemech”, which translated from the Itelmen language means “stone earth”.

It is built like a volcano, quite strange. The short 3-kilometer ridge consists of 3 old volcano cones merged together, the oldest of which is Paleo-Semyachik. It is located in the east of the massif, and its absolute height is 1560 meters. The central volcano, Meso-Semyachik, is preserved in “good condition.” And the Kaino-Semyachik volcano that borders the massif in the southwest is active. It is in the latter that you can see a real miracle - an acidic lake of bright blue color.

Acid lake in the crater of the Maly Semyachik volcano

In the crater of the volcano you can observe a real miracle. After all, where else will you find an amazing acid lake, the waters of which are saturated with chloride, fluoride and sulfate acids!? It is because of this “explosive mixture” that the waters of the lake in the Maly Semyachik crater have such a fabulous turquoise color. Its diameter is approximately 500 meters and its depth is 140 meters.

The acidic lake in the crater does not freeze at all in winter, although all the slopes of the Kamchatka mountains are always covered with snow.

In warm and sunny weather, you can try to descend into the crater. The blue-black beach, poisonous blue water, the temperature of which is approximately 30-40 degrees, will be remembered by you for the rest of your life. You won't see anything like this anywhere. Probably, this amazing place will not leave anyone indifferent.

Those who decide to go to Kamchatka should know that they won’t have to spend money on expensive hotels, since there simply aren’t any there. Housing will be offered by people from nearby towns and villages. And the view from the windows of small huts is much more pleasant!

It is worth noting that Maly Semyachik and its acid lake are not always calm. And in moments of increased activity, he is guarded by the military and the Ministry of Emergency Situations. So, on your trip to Kamchatka, “don’t go to extremes.”

Here we are once again convinced that nature can be both incredibly beautiful and merciless. If extreme beauty is your thing, then immediately go to Kamchatka and admire the extraordinary beauty of Maly Semyachik and, of course, the acid lake in the Troitsky crater.