Earth's Scars: Exploring the World's Five Great Rift Systems

2. The Baikal Rift Zone: Home to the World's Deepest Lake

Tucked in the centre of southern Siberia, the Baikal Rift Zone is a perfect illustration of an active continental rift that highlights the Earth's dynamic character in one of its most unspoiled forms. Lake Baikal, a natural wonder with the distinction of being both the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world, is found here on this amazing geological feature. Lake Baikal is a unique environment and a critical supply since its glistening clean waters reach depths of up to 1,642 meters, around 20% of the unfrozen surface fresh water on Earth. About 25 to 30 million years ago, the Amurian Plate started separating from the Eurasian Plate, hence initiating the construction of the Baikal Rift Zone. This slow but relentless migration has produced a fissure spanning almost 2,000 kilometres that shapes a striking scene of deep basins and tall mountain ranges. At a rate of roughly 3-4 millimetres each year, the rift is widening geologically blink of an eye but still has significant consequences for the future of the area. The Baikal Rift Zone's unusual geological context has produced a hotspot for exceptional biodiversity. Over 2,500 species of plants and animals call Lake Baikal home; more than 80% of these are indigenous to the lake. This covers the only freshwater seal species found worldwide, the well-known Baikal seal. From taiga forests to alpine meadows, the surrounding scenery supports a great range of flora and animals, which makes the area a paradise for naturalists and evolution and adaptation under harsh conditions researchers.