The Guinness Book of Records has officially recognized the ancient Paratethys Sea as the largest lake in the history of the Earth. The dimensions of the lake were determined back in 2021, but confirmation of the record appeared only recently, writes MIR 24.
Scientists from Utrecht University in the Netherlands, together with colleagues from Brazil, Russia and Germany, concluded that the waters of the Paratethys covered an area of 2.8 million square kilometers. This is larger than the area of the modern Mediterranean Sea.
The reservoir, which existed approximately 11 million years ago, stretched from the Alps in the west to Turkmenistan in the east. It contained 10 times more water than all modern lakes combined. When Paratethys began to dry up, three seas formed in its place: the Black, Caspian and Aral.
Researchers have determined the size of the lake and reconstructed its history using various technologies and tools. They compiled 3D maps of the underwater relief and studied tectonic activity in the place where it was located.
Scientists believe that the reservoir disappeared due to climate change. Paratethys lost a third of its volume and 70% of its surface, and its water level dropped by 250 meters.
Paratethys' research will help predict changes that threaten modern seas and lakes.