The Top 10 Closed Lakes in the World

Before we dive into the best closed lakes in the world, let’s get on the same page regarding what we mean by a “closed lake.” Closed lakes are defined as endorheic basins with no surface outlet. Essentially this means that a “closed lake” is a lake that does not drain into a larger body of water.

These lakes can be found all over the world in a variety of climates and locations.  The ten largest closed lakes by surface area are all listed above.

1. Great Salt Lake- Utah, USA

The Great Salt Lake in Utah, USA, is the largest closed lake in the world with an area of 1,700 square miles, approximately

Fun Facts about the Great Salt Lake:

It is up to ten times saltier than the ocean

The Great Salt Lake has no fish

It is home to the brine shrimp

Things to do at the Great Salt Lake:

Visit Antelope Island State Park

Hike Frary Peak

Take a dip in the brine pool

2. Caspian Sea- Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkmenistan

The Caspian Sea is the second largest closed lake, with an area of approximately 143,200 square miles. The Caspian Sea is located between Europe and Asia and is bordered by Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Turkmenistan.

Fun Facts about The Caspian Sea:

The Caspian Sea is a lake, despite its name

It contains about 16% of the world’s oil reserves

The Caspian Sea is home to the sturgeon fish, which is used to make caviar

Things to do at The Caspian Sea:

Visit the Caspian Sea Beaches

Go Sturgeon Fishing

Explore the ancient city of Derbent

3. Lake Superior- Ontario, Canada

Lake Superior is the biggest of the Great Lakes of North America and the third largest closed lake in the world, with an area of 31,700 square miles. Lake Superior is located between the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Minnesota.

Fun Facts about Lake Superior:

It is the coldest and deepest of the Great Lakes

Lake Superior contains 10% of the world’s freshwater

There are over 200 known shipwrecks in Lake Superior

Things
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Do Deer Antlers Grow Back if Cut Off?

Cutting antlers on deer is a process called de-antlering and is done to protect deer from injury and to sometimes aid in the process of record keeping for a deer farm. Some use deer antlers while in velvet as a medicine, but this type of cutting can injure and harm the deer.  There is a specific way to cut antlers and a specific time to do so where the deer has the least chance of being harmed.

Cutting antlers will let them grow back every year.

Why Cut Deer Antlers?

Antlers are cut for many reasons. For those that raise deer, cutting antlers can help minimize the losses taken each year from bucks fighting with one another. Cutting back the antlers each year can keep those losses to a minimum.

Deer farmers have learned that just by taking the simple step of cutting back antler growth, it can help disarm potentially devastating results from bucks trying to assert dominance. Another reason to cut antlers is so that there is an easier way to keep antler growth records because you are able to match up the antlers with the bucks without having to go and locate them in the farm pasture. It is a way to do management and marketing for the farm without having to match DNA between them.

Both of these reasons are typically used for cutting back antlers in a deer raising setting and for those with pasture deer. Lastly, some deer antlers are cut while still in velvet for medicinal purposes. This process can hurt the deer.

Medicinal velvet supplements “contains multiple substances including the female sex hormones estrone and estradiol. It also contains substances which may help cells grow and function”, according to RxList.

Does Cutting Antlers Hurt the Deer?

Cutting antlers can cause pain, health complications, shock and fear to the deer if there are not proper cutting techniques used. Cutting during velvet season will give a heightened period of these complications. Cutting dry antlers can lessen the complications when you use proper techniques such as tranquilizers, clean cutting tools, and a little TLC.

Having … Read the rest of the story.

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Wolf vs Leopard Which Would Win in a Fight?

Who would win in a fight between a wolf and a leopard? Are you curious? I know I am.

I have always had a fascination with giant cats and dogs, er, wolves. After all, humans today live with miniature wolves and leopards in our homes just for sheer comfort and companionship. But, if a wolf and a leopard came upon each other in nature, who would win at the end of the day? Let’s find out.

Comparing a Wolf Vs. a Leopard in the Wild

Comparing a wolf versus a leopard is like comparing cats and dogs…and that is exactly what we are doing here. The leopard is a giant cat that is native to both the Asian and African continents, whereas the wolf is a large form of a dog that is less domesticated than our pets today. Leopards are great swimmers and are excellent climbers, giving them plenty of advantages when fighting in the woods or even in their own territory.

Wolves are made of an extremely muscular body and have the stamina to last far longer than a leopard, especially in a battle. Additionally, wolves are known for their bites, whereas leopards are typically known to use the power of their huge paws in order to gain a competitive edge over an opponent in the midst of a battle.

How does a wolf fight?

Wolves are unique as they do not typically find themselves being aggressive on their own or in a one-on-one scenario. This is why when wolves are referenced they are typically done so as a wolf pack. Wolves prefer to travel in packs, as this provides them not only with companionship and support but also with fighting power and plenty of intimidation to go around.

When a wolf is confronted by a predator, they are most likely to call out for their pack if there is one available. However, if left on its own, a wolf will fight similar to that of a dog, as it is not too distant from a dog’s makeup and genetics. Wolves may typically use their teeth more than … Read the rest of the story.

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How Long Do Most Lakes Last?

There are virtually endless awe-inspiring sights to see and take in around the world. With no shortage of wonders on planet Earth, it is no surprise that more people than ever have found a passion for all things Earth and science. For those who study geology and the waters of the blue planet, you may be curious as to how long a typical lake lasts.

The very idea of a lake disappearing may sound foreign or even impossible to you, however, if you are not familiar with the formation and evolution of lakes, rivers, and other Earthly bodies of water over time.

Some lakes may last only a few decades in regions with severe climate change and a lack of government resources to help replenish the lakes as they dry up. However, with the natural life cycle of a lake in a thriving and suitable environment, lakes can last anywhere from hundreds to thousands of years. 

Do all lakes last the same amount of time?

No. Not all lakes will last the same amount of time, as climates shift and change around the globe all of the time. Because there are many factors at play that help determine how long a lake may last naturally, there is no easy way to set an average time that a lake will last.

Lake Formation

In order to understand why lakes do not last the same amount of time, it is important to understand how lakes are formed and what exactly defines a lake. A lake is a basin in the Earth that is suitable for water collection and/or accumulation. Basins throughout the Earth’s surface make for excellent lakes, streams, and rivers.

Many glaciers around the world are also known to have helped in the formation of the lakes we know today after they have completely melted. Other instances of lake formations may occur due to the Earth’s own crust and plate tectonics. As plate tectonics shift, the Earth’s crust and ground may pull apart, helping to form natural holes and basins which are suitable for lake water accumulation and formation.

Additionally, lakes … Read the rest of the story.

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Which Countries Have No Forests?

There are five treeless countries, or more appropriate, countries without forests in the world, according to World Bank data. One is truly hilarious, Greenland since the name would make us easily think it is filled with lush greenery. Anyway, the other four treeless territories are Monaco, Oman, San Marino, and Qatar.

So, if countries with trees are struggling with climate issues, what about those without them? How is it possible for a country to not have trees? Even deserts have a few, or so I thought since some deserts are too dry to have any trees at all that thrive there.

Let’s look at what scientists have to say, then analyze these countries individually.

Nations With Less than Percent Tree Cover

There are several countries that the World Bank states as having less than a percent of tree cover, including:

Oman

Greenland

Qatar

San Marino

Monaco

Nauru

Egypt

Libya

Djibouti

Mauritania

Kuwait

What is Considered a Forest?

Forest area is defined as land with trees taller than five meters and a canopy cover of at least ten percent, or trees that can achieve these thresholds in situ, covering an area larger than 0.5 hectares. Agricultural and urban land uses are not included in this calculation. Both the existence of trees and the lack of other major land uses contribute to the definition of a forest.

Ideally, the trees must be capable of growing to a height of at least 5 meters. As a result of human intervention or natural calamities, areas that have not yet attained but are predicted to reach 10% canopy cover and tree heights of at least 5 m are included in the study.

Inclusions

Plantations are mainly used for forestry or protection, as long as they meet certain height and canopy cover requirements, like those found in nature reserves, national parks as well as those found in areas of special scientific, historical, cultural, or religious interest. Shelterbelts,  windbreaks, as well as corridors of trees with an area larger than 0.25 ha and a width greater than 20 meters.

Exclusions

The presence of trees in agricultural production … Read the rest of the story.

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Why are there No Trees in Qatar?

When you think of Qatar, what is the first image that comes to mind? Do you picture vast deserts and plenty of warmth, or do you envision a growing city that is bustling with life and a giant economy day in and day out? If you imagined either one of these scenarios, you are not incorrect.

Qatar, although it has rapidly evolved in the past few decades, was known for quite some time for its lack of trees and other forms of greenery.

Why are there no trees in Qatar?

Qatar has gone through a lot of changes in the past few decades alone. Once a vast desert with plenty of old buildings and crumbling infrastructure, Qatar has since been transformed into a wealthy, bustling city for those who can afford it. While the rebuild was occurring in Qatar, trees were not considered a top priority, and many that were left were removed entirely.

It is also important to keep in mind that Qatar is located in a desert climate, making it much more difficult for trees to survive on their own. There are specific trees that are suitable for desert climates and regions such as Qatar.

Causes of a Lack of Trees in Qatar

A lack of trees in Qatar can be explained by simply remembering that Qatar is in a desert climate, which can be extremely hot and dry year-round, making it difficult for vegetation to grow, including simple trees. As Qatar began to expand and rebuild, it created a giant metropolitan city of its own. Those rebuilding Qatar with their high-rise buildings and skyscrapers neglected to consider any of the trees or vegetation that stood in its way, thus leaving the city flattened without any trace of trees that once lived.

As the importance of trees and nature becomes more well-known throughout the world, initiatives such as manmade forests are becoming even more commonplace, even outside of desert areas such as Qatar.

Is it healthy to live somewhere without trees?

Not always. In fact, trees provide plenty of benefits in nature and for the health of … Read the rest of the story.

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Do Flamingos Live in the Rainforest?

Flamingos do live in the rainforest, just not in the middle of it but rather at the edges. Close to lakes and estuaries where the rainforest meets the Andeans is where you’ll find Flamingos in the Amazon Rainforest region. Only two types of flamingos make their habitat on the outskirts of the Amazon rainforests and that’s the Andean and Puna.

The latter is the rarest Flamingo. Here’s a look at the different species of flamingos, those who live in the rainforest, and all the in-depth details you’d like to know about their lifestyle.

What is a Flamingo?

The flamingo is one of the oldest bird species remaining in existence. They stand out from other tropical species because of their unusual feeding habits and vibrant plumage. A common sight in zoos around the world, wild flamingos can be found in tropical and temperate locations, frequently near water and rainforests.

How Many Varieties Of The Flamingo Are There?

Flamingos come in six distinct varieties.There are also lesser, greater, James’ (or Puna), Chilean, Caribbean/American, and Andean flamingos. The tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Europe are home to the largest populations of flamingos on earth.

The largest and tallest Flamingo species. Only in South America can you find Puna and Andean flamingos. Of the six species, the Andean flamingo numbers less than 40,000.

In Africa and southern Asia, there are smaller flamingos. Among flamingo species, they are the smallest and most common. More than 2 million lesser flamingos flaunt their pink plumage, illuminating the skies and shorelines.

Flamingos Found in the Rainforest Region

James Flamingo(Puna)

While the Andean flamingo is slightly larger, the James flamingo is smaller still, being on par with the smaller flamingo of the Old World. It was Charles Rahmer, who was part of a collecting expedition financed by Harry Berkeley James, that first brought back a bird specimen of the species. Several species of flamingos live in the Andean plateaus of Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and northwest Argentina.

James’s flamingo is one of these species.

Andean Flamingo

South America’s Andes highlands are home to a unique … Read the rest of the story.

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