Top 10 Largest Subterranean Lakes

Located beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, Lake Vostok is a subglacial lake that covers an area of approximately 14,000 square kilometers (5,400 sq mi). The lake's extreme isolation and unique ecosystem have made it a subject of intense scientific study, with only a few expeditions having successfully reached its shores. It is estimated to be around 140 million years old, making it one of the oldest lakes on Earth.

Situated in southern Siberia, Russia, Lake Baikal is the world's largest and deepest freshwater lake, stretching approximately 636 kilometers (395 mi) long and reaching depths of up to 1,642 meters (5,387 ft). The lake's crystal-clear waters support over 2,500 species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Lake Baikal is also home to the Buryat people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.

Located beneath the Thetis Sea ice cap in Antarctica, Lake Onyx covers an area of around 1,600 square kilometers (616 sq mi). The lake's unique shape and location make it a challenging target for scientific research, but its discovery has shed new light on the geological history of the Antarctic region. Lake Onyx is estimated to be around 2 million years old.

Situated in Oregon, USA, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in North America, with depths reaching approximately 594 meters (1,948 ft). The lake was formed when Mount Mazama collapsed around 7,700 years ago, creating a caldera that now houses the lake. Visitors can access the lake via a scenic drive or hike down to the shore.

Located in Antarctica's Taylor Glacier region, Lake Vida is a subglacial lake that covers an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometers (3,861 sq mi). The lake's unique chemistry and ecosystem have made it a subject of scientific interest, with recent studies revealing new insights into the Earth's climate history. Lake Vida is estimated to be around 25 million years old.

Situated beneath Japan's Asama Volcano, Lake Bungo covers an area of approximately 4,500 square kilometers (1,736 sq mi). The lake's discovery was made in the late 1990s using advanced seismic imaging techniques, revealing a large underground body of water hidden beneath the volcano. Lake Bungo is estimated to be around 40 million years old.

Located beneath Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni salt flat, Lake Don Juan José covers an area of approximately 15,000 square kilometers (5,791 sq mi). The lake was discovered in the 1990s as part of a scientific expedition to study the geology and hydrology of the region. Lake Don Juan José is estimated to be around 200,000 years old.

Situated beneath Canada's Iceberg Alley ice shelf, Lake Vaskulak covers an area of approximately 3,300 square kilometers (1,269 sq mi). The lake was discovered in the 1990s using advanced satellite imaging techniques, revealing a large underground body of water hidden beneath the ice shelf. Lake Vaskulak is estimated to be around 10 million years old.

Located beneath Russia's Olkhon Island, Lake Piburgskiy covers an area of approximately 700 square kilometers (270 sq mi). The lake was discovered in the early 20th century by Russian scientists, who were surprised to find a large body of water hidden beneath the island. Lake Piburgskiy is estimated to be around 100 million years old.

Situated beneath Japan's Sakurajima Volcano, Lake Matuyama covers an area of approximately 200 square kilometers (77 sq mi). The lake was discovered in the late 19th century by Japanese geologists, who were amazed to find a large body of water hidden beneath the volcano. Lake Matuyama is estimated to be around 70 million years old.