Lake Mundshtuchnoye, a unique natural monument of the Middle Ob basin

Abstract

Lake Mundshtuchnoye is located in the basin of the Middle Ob, upstream from the influx of its big right-bank tributary, the Tym river. The lake is located within the boundaries of the Tomsk region and is a specially protected natural area of regional importance. Genetic and morphological characteristics of the lake allow us to consider it as a natural monument. It is an important point for conducting scientific research and organizing long-term environmental monitoring. The depth of Lake Mundshtuchnoye reaches 55 m, which is a unique phenomenon for the lowland part of the Ob basin. The shape of the lake basin is also unusual, sectionally resembling a crater. Structural-tectonic features of the area of the lake location allow to link its origin and development to the penetration of reservoir fluids. The lake water is very different from the lake waters of the Ob basin water logged catchment areas. Lake Mundshtuchnoye has low salinity (the amount of basic ions is 7.3 mg/dm³), and a significant concentration of silver. The lake water is clear, and thus very different from the dark-coloured water found in most regional lakes because of inflow from bogs and mires.

Keywords:

• Crater lake
• Silver
• Natural monuments
• Siberia

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

The study was supported by Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 220 dated 9 April 2010 [grant number 14.B25.31.0001]; Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation dated 24 June 2013 (BIO-GEO-CLIM).