Lake Elton (Russian: Эльтон; Kazakh: Эльтон, romanized: Elton) is a salt lake in Volgograd Oblast, Russia, near the border with Kazakhstan. It has an area of 152 km² and is about 0.1 m deep (in spring 0.7 to 0.8 m). Its surface is 18 m below sea level.[1] The lake’s name originates from the Mongol language: “Altyn-Nor” (Golden Bottom). Long ago local nomads used the lake’s mineral-rich mud for skin and respiratory treatments.[2] For centuries, Lake Elton was a favorite location for Russian rulers and nobles. One can still see remnants of Empress Yekaterina II’s “bath” there.[2]
| Lake Elton Эльтон | |
|---|---|
 The shores of Lake Elton | |
  Lake Elton Эльтон Location within Russia  Lake Elton Эльтон Lake Elton Эльтон (Volgograd Oblast) .png) Lake Elton Эльтон Lake Elton Эльтон (Continental Asia) | |
| Location | Volgograd Oblast |
| Coordinates | 49°8′0″N 46°40′0″E / 49.13333°N 46.66667°E |
| Type | Hypersaline lake |
| Basin countries | Russia |
| Surface area | 150 km2 (58 sq mi) |
| Max. depth | 0.6 m (2 ft 0 in) |
| Surface elevation | −18 m (−59 ft) |
It is the largest mineral lake in Europe and one of the most mineralized in the world. The lake is filled with saturated salt solution. Mineralization is 200-500 g/L. Salt, extracted from the lake since the early 18th century, is used for the production of magnesium chloride.[3] The water contains Dunaliella salina algae that give a reddish shade to the lake. At the bottom of the lake - deposits of salts (mainly NaCl, KCl) and under them a layer of mineral hydrogen sulfide mud.
Transportation edit
A bus ride can be taken from Volgograd (6 hours mostly because of long stops in rural towns) and also by train from Saratov and Astrakhan (also 6 hours) can lead travelers to the area.
History edit
Salt was excavated from Elton beginning in the early eighteenth century.[4] Before 1865 the government was the excavator; from 1865–1882 the lake was heavily used by private businesses.
A spa resort has been located near the lake since 1910 and a sanatorium since 1945. Sulfide silt mud and brine from Elton are claimed to have anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, analgesic, relaxing and revitalizing properties.[5]
Elton Ultra Trail Run edit
The Elton Ultra Trail is one of Russia's toughest races. There are two distances of 38 km and 160 km. It was first organised in 2014.
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References edit
- ^ Эльтон (озеро), Great Soviet Encyclopedia
- ^ a b Egorov, Boris (2018-10-11). "Why did Russia's tsars love Lake Elton?". www.rbth.com. Retrieved 2021-07-09.
- ^ "Lake Elton | lake, Russia". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2021-07-09.
- ^ "Lake Elton". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 2013-10-18.
- ^ "Elton sanatorium".
External links edit
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