A team of Czech scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery in southern Albania, uncovering the world’s largest underground thermal lake. Named Lake Neuron after the Neuron Foundation that funded the expedition, this finding reveals a unique geological phenomenon and paves the way for further research.
The Discovery 🕵️♂️
- Location: Vromoner region, southern Albania, near the Greek border.
- Name: Lake Neuron, in honor of the Czech Neuron Foundation.
- Size:
- Length: 138 meters
- Width: 42 meters
- Circumference: 345 meters
- Volume: 8,335 cubic meters of hot water
- Comparison: The lake’s chamber is three times larger than the main hall of Prague’s National Theatre.
How It Was Found 🗺️
- Cave System Exploration: The team has been mapping the area since 2021, discovering a vast network of caves with heated springs and steam columns.
- Key Technology:
- LIDAR Scanner: Used to create detailed 3D maps of the cave and lake.
- GeoSlam: Advanced 3D scanning technology for accurate modeling.
- Sonar: To measure the underwater portion of the lake.
Unique Geological Features 🧪
- Hydrogen Sulfide: The lake’s mineral water is rich in hydrogen sulfide, which oxidizes upon contact with air, producing sulphuric acid.
- Cave Formation: The acid transforms limestone into soft gypsum, creating a rare type of cave system.
Significance of the Discovery 🌋
- Future Research: The team plans to study the connection between the underground lake and surrounding springs.
- Scientific Contribution: The findings will help researchers understand the hydrology and geology of the region.
- Environmental Impact: The discovery could lead to better protection and conservation of the area.
Reference: CzechRadio
