In the Novosibirsk region is the largest lake in Western Siberia - Chany. This is the salt sea in Russia, which is located in the Baraba Lowland in five districts: Baraba, Chanovsky, Kupinsky, Zdvinsky and Chistoozerny. In beauty, it is not inferior to the most picturesque corners of the world, and the richest nature and fauna amaze with its diversity and grandeur. There are wonderful and mysterious legends about him, so it is not surprising that there are so many fans at Lake Chany.
Origin of the lake
The history of the reservoir is rooted in antiquity. Scientists attribute the origin of Lake Chany to the end of the Ice Age. The age of the reservoir is more than ten thousand years. According to researchers, people settled on its shores from ancient times. So, archaeologists have discovered traces of settlements dating back to the sixth-seventh millennium BC. e.
The origin of the lakes is classified by the nature of the basin. Most of them arise as a result of movements of the
earth's crust or
volcanic eruptions. If you describe Lake Chany, the origin of the basin of this reservoir is tectonic. This explains its heterogeneous depth (in general, it is shallow - up to two meters, but there are also deep sections - up to seven to nine meters).
The History of the Wondrous Pond
Initially, Vats were located in the steppe zone. The first birch trees on the banks of the reservoir began to grow only 5 millennia ago. Now it is in the forest-steppe zone. Chany Lake is characterized by noticeable fluctuations in water level. They are caused by climatic changes, which cause dry and wet seasons. But, even taking into account these changes, scientists have established that the area of the lake has been decreasing in the last two centuries.
At the end of the 18th century, a record area of 12 thousand square kilometers was noted. At the beginning of the next century, it totaled eight thousand square kilometers. Since then, the area of the reservoir has declined rapidly. Already at the end of the XIX century, it was only 3170 square kilometers. And about half a century ago, the area of the lake has already decreased to two thousand square kilometers.
The beginning of the active settlement of the shores of the reservoir dates back to the 16th century.
The first records of the reservoir appear in the 17-18 centuries. They date back to the development of Siberia. And the first description of the reservoir belongs to the geographer Pallas, who in 1786 made a trip to the lake.
An in-depth study of the reservoir began at the end of the century before last. Then began various work on the organization of fisheries. In the middle of the last century, the construction of a dam in a pond began, which protected the Chany from excessive drying. Development of projects to save the lake from shrinking and shallowing continues today.
The origin of the name of Lake Chany
The name of Lake Chany comes from the Turkic “chan”, which means “large vessel”. This is quite true - once the reservoir occupied more than 12 thousand square meters. m. However, recently there has been a tendency to drying out of the lake - now its area is approximately 1500-2000 square meters. km By the way, it is interesting that it is unstable and depends on the season and the amount of precipitation.
Short description of the reservoir
Lake Chany (Novosibirsk region) is closed. Its length is over ninety kilometers, and about eighty-five wide. The salinity of the reservoir is not very high, while it is different in its different parts. For example, in the southeast it is completely insignificant. Interestingly, this is the largest saline body of water in the country.
If you find Lake Chany on the map, you will notice that it covers simultaneously five districts of the region. The reservoir includes a system of three lakes - the Big and Small Chans, as well as Yarkul, and interconnected reaches. Each of them has its own vegetation, depth, salinity. Due to the significant differences between them, some researchers consider them different independent reservoirs.
However, most scientists all believe that this is one lake, which consists of three parts. The food of the lake is mainly snowy, it is also fed from nearby rivers. The pond freezes in October-November. Ice leaves the surface of the water only towards the end of spring. The lake has its own shipping.
In summer, small ships go along it. The water in Chany warms up well, and in the hot months the temperature reaches 28 degrees. The shores are quite low and very rugged. The bottom of the lake is silty and sandy.
Amazing and extraordinary nature of the lake
The nature of the lake amazes and delights with its extraordinary beauty and grandeur. Vats are rightly called a unique reserve, preserving the rarest examples of the animal and plant world. On the shores of the lake are numerous swans and pelicans.
In total, according to scientists, more than three hundred species of birds, many of which are rare, live on the coast. In the forests growing around the reservoir, you can find moose, hares, pheasants and other wild animals and birds. And not only to see them, but also to hunt, however, only during the period allowed for this. The lake is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful and richest in Siberia.
And water and air there have healing properties and have a miraculous effect on the whole organism. Therefore, tourists from different cities are so eager to visit Lake Chany. The photos of this marvelous place confirm the indisputable merits of rest on it and cause an irresistible desire to quickly see firsthand his miracles.
Fishing and relaxation on Lake Chany
Vats are a true paradise for fishing enthusiasts. In total, 16 species of fish can be found here . The most common perch, pikeperch and pike. And despite the fact that the number of fish in the lake has noticeably decreased in recent years, it will still be enough for everyone. By the way, fishing on Lake Chany is allowed all year round. Therefore, lovers of both summer and winter fishing flock here. The large number and variety of fish is a pleasure even for novice fishermen.
Bad weather on the lake causes the formation of high waves. This circumstance should be taken into account for fishermen who go fishing far from the coast.
For fans of fishing in the most beautiful sections of the coast of the lake comfortable recreation facilities are equipped. Hospitable residents of coastal villages offer guests to live in cozy houses. In the summer, swimming in the lake is wonderful. At the same time, the water is very warm and surprisingly clean and transparent. When the weather is calm and calm, the lake acquires amazing beauty turquoise color. Safe sandy beaches and a shallow depth of the pond make Chany an excellent place for families with small children.
In addition, Chany is a great place for active pastime. Many camp sites offer rental of ATVs, snowmobiles and boats.
The legend of silver fish living in the lake
Most species of fish that live in the lake have shiny silver scales. An ancient beautiful legend is even composed about this. It says that thousands of years ago a thin path stretched from the moon into the clear waters of the lake, along which the inhabitants of the moon came to Earth. Their skin was silver. Somehow, when guests from the moon once again descended to the lake, a volcano erupted.
The ashes rose very high and did not allow the lunar path to descend. Because of this, the lunar guests could not return home. Then they had to settle permanently in the depths of the lake, and they turned into beautiful fish with silver scales.
Mysterious lake dweller
A terrible legend about a mysterious creature that lives in the depths of Lake Chany has been walking around the reservoir for many decades. Local residents are convinced that the giant snake drowns boats and pulls fishermen and livestock into the abyss, and claim that they saw its silhouette in the water.
Indeed, people die in the lake every year. Moreover, many of them still could not be found, and this despite the small depth of the lake. However, according to scientists, the death of people is explained by strong waves that rise on the surface of the water in inclement weather.
Lake of the Seventy Islands
Lake Chany accommodates many large and not very islets - there are seventy in all. Interestingly, almost all of them stretch from the southwest to the northeast. The shores of the reservoir, as well as its islands are covered with a variety of trees and shrubs: birch, raspberry, currant, bird cherry, rose hip and many others. Some of them are covered in blooming wild peonies in late spring and summer. There are 12 villages on the shores of the lake.
Many islands are considered natural monuments of the region, since they have unique landscapes, which are inhabited by the rarest species of animals and birds.
Lake Chany is a true paradise of Siberia. This is a unique reserve, marvelous beauty of nature, a great place for fishing, hunting, and just active leisure. Therefore, those who have never been to these parts just need to visit Lake Chany at least once, where everything is located that is necessary for a truly magical and unforgettable vacation.