Lake Shira, Meromictic saline lake in Khakassia, Russia.
Lake Shira is a saline lake in Khakassia that covers about 40 square kilometers and sits within a broad depression in the steppe landscape. Its southern and western shores are sandy and gently sloping, while the water holds distinctive mineral properties that give it a salty taste.
The lake was first documented during a Siberian expedition in the 18th century when naturalists recorded its saline nature and mineral composition. These early observations brought attention to the place and later inspired scientific study of its water's distinct properties.
The lake's northern shore forms part of the Khakasski Nature Reserve, preserving the natural environment and local steppe landscapes with larch and birch forests.
The nearby village of Zhemchuzhny has several wellness resorts where visitors can experience treatments using the mineral-rich water year-round. Accommodations are available at these facilities for guests who wish to stay longer and take advantage of the therapeutic options.
The water layers of the lake shift periodically, and between 2015 and 2016 the amount of tiny algae grew dramatically. These changes show that the lake continues to be a living system with ongoing transformations.
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