Top 20 Largest Lakes by Volume

It is the largest enclosed inland body of water in the world, located between Europe and Asia. The Caspian Sea is a vital source of oil, natural gas, and fish for the surrounding countries. With an area of approximately 371,000 square kilometers (143,200 sq mi), it has a volume of about 78,200 cubic kilometers (18,800 cu mi). The Caspian Sea's origins date back to the ancient Greeks, who called it "Mare Nostrum," meaning "Our Sea." 2. Lake Baikal - This lake is located in southern Siberia, Russia, and is the world's largest and oldest freshwater lake. Lake Baikal is home to over 2,500 species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. With a volume of around 23,600 cubic kilometers (5,670 cu mi), it holds approximately 20% of the world's unfrozen freshwater. The lake's unique shape and depths were formed by tectonic activity millions of years ago.

As one of the Great Lakes in North America, Lake Superior is the largest and deepest of all the lakes. It has a volume of approximately 12,200 cubic kilometers (2,900 cu mi) and covers an area of about 82,100 square kilometers (31,700 sq mi). The lake's name comes from the Algonquian word "dibaajing," which means "great water." Lake Superior is connected to other Great Lakes via the Saint Marys River.

Located in East Africa, Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake and a vital source of water for millions of people. The lake has a volume of around 2,750 cubic kilometers (660 cu mi) and covers an area of approximately 69,485 square kilometers (26,800 sq mi). It is one of the most biologically diverse lakes in Africa, hosting many fish species and supporting agriculture.

As another Great Lake in North America, Lake Huron has a volume of approximately 9,900 cubic kilometers (2,380 cu mi) and covers an area of about 59,596 square kilometers (23,000 sq mi). The lake's name comes from the French "huron," referring to the indigenous people who lived along its shores. Lake Huron is also known for its scenic shoreline and popular beach destinations.

As one of the Great Lakes in North America, Lake Michigan has a volume of approximately 10,050 cubic kilometers (2,400 cu mi) and covers an area of about 58,000 square kilometers (22,300 sq mi). The lake's name comes from the Native American word "mishigamaa," meaning "great water." Lake Michigan is known for its shipwrecks and scenic coastal towns.

Located in East Africa, Lake Tanganyika is the second-deepest lake in the world. It has a volume of around 18,900 cubic kilometers (4,500 cu mi) and covers an area of approximately 32,900 square kilometers (12,700 sq mi). The lake's unique shape was formed by tectonic activity millions of years ago.

Located in Kyrgyzstan, Lake Issyk-Kul is the world's tenth-largest saltwater lake. It has a volume of approximately 7,900 cubic kilometers (1,890 cu mi) and covers an area of about 6,225 square kilometers (2,401 sq mi). The lake's name comes from the Kyrgyz word "issyk," meaning "salt water." 9. Lake Great Slave - Located in Canada's Northwest Territories, Lake Great Slave is the world's seventh-largest saltwater lake. It has a volume of approximately 7,700 cubic kilometers (1,840 cu mi) and covers an area of about 28,600 square kilometers (11,000 sq mi). The lake was named after Lord Byron, who sailed to Canada in search of adventure.

It's one of the Great Lakes in North America that borders several major cities, including Chicago, Indiana, and Michigan. Lake Michigan has a volume of approximately 10,050 cubic kilometers (2,400 cu mi) and covers an area of about 58,000 square kilometers (22,300 sq mi). The lake is known for its scenic shoreline, beaches, and popular tourist destinations.

As one of the Great Lakes in North America, Lake Ontario has a volume of approximately 9,900 cubic kilometers (2,380 cu mi) and covers an area of about 59,056 square kilometers (22,702 sq mi). The lake's name comes from the Iroquoian word "ontari:io," meaning "big lake." Lake Ontario is connected to other Great Lakes via the Saint Lawrence River.

Located in southern Siberia, Russia, Lake Baikal is home to over 2,500 species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. It has a volume of around 23,600 cubic kilometers (5,670 cu mi) and covers an area of approximately 31,722 square kilometers (12,248 sq mi). The lake's unique shape and depths were formed by tectonic activity millions of years ago.

Located in Central Asia, Lake Aral was once the world's fourth-largest lake, but it has since shrunk to almost nothing due to excessive water diversion. It has a volume of approximately 1,170 cubic kilometers (280 cu mi) and covers an area of about 68,000 square kilometers (26,100 sq mi).

This saltwater lake is located in Kyrgyzstan and has a volume of approximately 7,900 cubic kilometers (1,890 cu mi). It covers an area of about 6,225 square kilometers (2,401 sq mi) and was named "Lake of Youth" for its stunning beauty.

Located beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, Lake Vostok is the largest and oldest freshwater lake on Earth. It has a volume of approximately 14,000 cubic kilometers (3,370 cu mi) but remains inaccessible due to extreme conditions. Scientists estimate that the lake may be home to unique microorganisms adapted to the extreme environment.

As one of the world's largest saltwater lakes, Lake Issyk-Kul has a volume of approximately 7,900 cubic kilometers (1,890 cu mi). It covers an area of about 6,225 square kilometers (2,401 sq mi) and attracts tourists for its stunning natural beauty.

Located in North America, Lake Michigan is one of the Great Lakes and has a volume of approximately 10,050 cubic kilometers (2,400 cu mi). It covers an area of about 58,000 square kilometers (22,300 sq mi) and is known for its scenic shoreline, beaches, and popular tourist destinations.

Located on the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. It has a volume of around 2,200 cubic kilometers (530 cu mi) and covers an area of approximately 8,372 square kilometers (3,232 sq mi). The lake's unique shape was formed by tectonic activity millions of years ago.

As one of the Great Lakes in North America, Lake Michigan has a volume of approximately 10,050 cubic kilometers (2,400 cu mi) and covers an area of about 58,000 square kilometers (22,300 sq mi). The lake is known for its scenic shoreline, beaches, and popular tourist destinations.

Located in East Africa, Lake Tanganyika is the second-deepest lake in the world. It has a volume of approximately 18,900 cubic kilometers (4,500 cu mi) and covers an area of about 32,900 square kilometers (12,700 sq mi). The lake's unique shape was formed by tectonic activity millions of years ago.