Baykal

Baykal or Baikal (both: bīkäl`), lake, 12,160 sq mi (31,494 sq km), SE Siberian Russia. It is the largest freshwater lake of Eurasia, with a width up to 50 mi (80 km) and a length of c.395 mi (640 km). Its maximum depth is 5,714 ft (1,742 m), making Baykal the world's deepest lake. There are numerous feeder streams (notably the Selenga), but the only outlet is the Angara River, whose great volume is harnessed by several hydroelectric stations. Lake Baykal is navigable and is used to float timber. Surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, it is rich in fish and other aquatic life, including such unusual species as the world's only freshwater seal. Although it is known for its crystal-clear waters, the lake is in danger of pollution because of industrial development in Siberia. Recent antipollution efforts by the Russian government, however, have reduced the flow of effluent into the lake. Plans to route a Siberian oil pipeline within .6 mi (1 km) of the lake provoked concern until President Putin called (2006) for the pipeline to be rerouted c.35 mi (40 km) to the north, outside the lake's watershed. The Trans-Siberian RR skirts the lake's southern shores. Between Lake Baykal and the upper Amur River lies the region known as Transbaykalia.