Scientists Uncover World’s Largest Underground Thermal Lake in Albania

A team of Czech researchers has identified the world’s largest underground thermal lake in Albania, as reported by Czech media, Anadolu Agency reported. This significant discovery follows years of exploration led by Czech speleologist Marek Audy, who had theorized the existence of a concealed thermal cave system in the southern Vromoner region of Albania, near the Greek border.

While mapping the area and monitoring steam from various heated springs, the scientists stumbled upon a 100-meter-deep (328-foot) chasm. At the bottom of this abyss, they found a lake measuring 138 meters (452 feet) in length and 42 meters (137 feet) in width. With a circumference of 345 meters (1,131 feet), the lake can hold approximately three times the water volume of the main hall of Prague’s National Theater.

Researchers have determined that the nearby hot springs are supplied with water from this underground lake. Richard Bouda, a photographer and speleologist on the team, stated, “We believe this discovery could enhance the protection of the entire area and improve our understanding of its hydrology, as no one has previously understood how these underground waters connect to the surface.”