Lac Pavin, Meromictic crater lake in Auvergne, France
Lac Pavin is a circular crater lake in the Auvergne region that sits at an elevation of around 1200 meters. The water reaches depths of up to 92 meters and spans a diameter of roughly 800 meters.
The lake formed about 6900 years ago from a phreatomagmatic eruption, making it the youngest volcanic formation on mainland France. This explosive event shaped the landscape and left behind the unusual crater basin visible underwater today.
The lake's name likely comes from the Occitan word 'Pavent,' connected to the Latin 'pavens' meaning fear or dread. This naming reflects how local people have always understood the water as something powerful and worthy of respect.
The shoreline is easily accessible from several points around the water, making it simple to explore and observe the lake. Sturdy footwear is advisable given the high altitude and variable weather conditions common at this elevation.
The water separates into two distinct layers, with the deeper section containing high concentrations of dissolved gases and unusual bacterial species found nowhere else. This unusual condition makes the lake a natural laboratory for studying life in extreme conditions.
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