Researchers at the Baikal Museum of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences have managed to capture natural oil spills on the surface of Lake Baikal for the first time. The phenomenon was filmed during expeditionary work in the area of the village of Sukhaya.
The phenomenon of natural oil outlets on Baikal has been known to scientists for a long time. It was first described by the naturalist Johann Georg Gmelin back in 1733. Only now, almost three centuries later, have researchers been able to capture this rare phenomenon on camera.
These natural oil outlets (about 4 tons per year) are not related to industrial production and represent a unique natural phenomenon that is being studied by scientists to understand the geological processes and ecology of Baikal.
Despite the presence of natural oil outlets, Baikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains one of the cleanest freshwater ecosystems in the world. Its waters are so clear that visibility underwater reaches 40 meters.
In 2025, observation of the natural phenomenon was complicated by an abnormally warm winter. The temperature exceeded the norm by 4–9 degrees, and in some places reached 12 degrees above normal. Because of this, the lake froze quite late.
Read more materials on the topic:
Scientists create a digital twin of Baikal to protect its ecosystem
AI creates "smart molecules" to increase oil production at fields in Russia
Now on home
The reason for indexation may be inflation, an increase in VAT, and rising production costs
The Ministry of Industry and Trade believes that the increase in the levy will not affect responsible manufacturers
Экипаж разогнал лайнер до 580 км/ч вместо крейсерских 450 км/ч
Ship equipment comes to Russia from China at inflated prices
Almaz-Antey and the Belarusian Ministry of Defense signed a contract for equipment maintenance
The complex's computing resources allow for the competent distribution of targets between launchers
Among the spacecraft are Aist-2T No. 1 and No. 2
Deputy Prime Minister Novak announced a postponement of the deadlines, but confirmed the commitment to developing the sector
Design engineers without experience are promised salaries from 80 thousand rubles
Hard and dense shot ensures the destruction of the target from the first hit, regardless of the drone's body material
Almost all body elements are zinc-treated
SOGAZ lost the case in court against UEC-UMPO