Ilaria Rosella Pagliaro After four years of intensive studies, a team of Czech scientists has confirmed the existence of Lake Neuron, the largest underground thermal lake on the planet.
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In 2021, a team of Czech speleologists exploring the mountainous regions of Albania made an unusual discovery: a column of warm steam rising from the ground. Following the trail, the scientists found themselves at the edge of a 328-foot-deep abyss, where they discovered a vast, warm water reservoir at the bottom.
At the time, they lacked the tools to measure the extent of the discovery. It wasn’t until 2025, when they employed advanced technology like the 3D Lidar Scanner, that the team was able to map the area accurately and confirm the incredible reality: Neuron is the world’s largest underground thermal lake.
The lake’s name is no coincidence. It honors the foundation that funded the expedition and made this scientific breakthrough possible.
A hidden giant of warm water underground
Neuron Lake is located near Leskovik, a town in Albania close to the Greek border. This area has long been known for its intense geothermal activity, but no one had ever imagined that such a massive water body was hidden beneath the surface.
The dimensions of the lake: an underground giant
Measurements revealed the lake’s impressive size:
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Length: 453 feet
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Width: 138 feet
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Total perimeter: over 1,115 feet
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Water volume: 8,335 cubic meters, equivalent to about 3.5 Olympic swimming pools
But it’s not just its size that makes this discovery extraordinary. The lake’s waters are rich in mineral salts and are continually heated by natural hydrothermal phenomena. This unique environment could provide crucial insights into the distribution of underground heat and Earth’s geothermal dynamics.
Why is this discovery so important?
Neuron Lake is not only an incredible natural wonder but also an invaluable source of scientific information.
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Geothermically, it could offer new clues on how to sustainably harness geothermal resources for energy production.
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Its stable mineral composition makes it an ideal subject for medical research and thermal therapies, with potential implications for treating certain diseases.
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Its location within a unique speleological environment makes it a perfect natural laboratory to study underground ecosystems and the interactions between water and rock.
Speleologists and scientists around the world have already shown great interest in this discovery. Neuron Lake could reveal Earth’s secrets that are still unknown, opening up new research prospects in fields like geology, renewable energy, and natural medicine.
The first step has been taken, but there is still much to uncover. What other mysteries lie deep within the Earth’s depths?
Source: VisitAlbania
