Kow Ata

Kow Ata
The Bakharlyn
Köw Ata (Turkmen)
The lake as seen in 2009
Kow Ata is located in Turkmenistan
Kow Ata
Kow Ata
Location within Turkmenistan
Map
Interactive map of Kow Ata
LocationBäherden, Baherden District, Ahal Province
Coordinates38°17′51″N 57°31′20″E / 38.2975°N 57.5222°E / 38.2975; 57.5222
TypeUnderground lake
Basin countriesTurkmenistan
Max. length75–80 m (246–262 ft)
Max. width8–23 m (26–75 ft)
Average depth
10 m (33 ft)
Max. depth15 m (49 ft)
Max. temperature
38 °C (100 °F)
Min. temperature
33 °C (91 °F)
Kow Ata
Map
Interactive map of Kow Ata
LocationTurkmenistan
TypeUnderground lake
Max. length80 metres (260 ft)
Average depth
10 metres (33 ft)

Kow Ata (also The Bakharlyn) is an underground lake in an eponymous cave near Bäherden in Turkmenistan, at the foot of the Kopet Dag.[1][2] It is the largest in Commonwealth of Independent States.[3]

History

The landform was first documented by archaeologists in 1856.[1] Coverage by the local press in 1896—noting the authorities of Bäherden rail-station to have had a wooden staircase installed for safe descent—led to tourists from Ashgabat flocking the site.[1][3]

In 1960s, a road was constructed to the cave, electricity supplied, and hotels built in nearby areas.[3]

Geology

Cave

The cave has a length of 250 m (820 ft) and variable width of 12–50 m (39–164 ft).[2] There are five entrances.[2]

Lake

The lake is at a depth of 55 m (180 ft) from the 3rd (by height) cave entrance;[a] no sunlight reaches the cave.[4][5] Length is reported to lie between 75 m (246 ft) and 80 m (260 ft); breadth varies, across the length, between 8 m (26 ft) and 23 m (75 ft).[2][3] Average depth is about 10 m (33 ft); maximum depth is 15 m (49 ft).[6]

The water flows out into a sulfur-rich spring.[5][6]

Limnology

The temperature of the lake remains roughly constant throughout the year, between 33 °C (91 °F) and 38 °C (100 °F).[4] The water has a high mineral content[b] and is especially rich in sulfur.[4] The water is transparent with a shade of bluish green.[5]

Flora and fauna

Bats, rodents, birds, and about 50 invertebrate species inhabit the cave.[2]

Tourism

Bathing is permitted in Kow Ata, making it a prominent weekend destination for residents of Ashgabat.[4] A long-winding illuminated staircase leads to the cave.[7][6] Changing cubicles and an observation platform are provided at about 80% length of the stair-route.[8] There are no safety features except a tape warning swimmers to not proceed beyond.[8]

Healing

Balneotherapy is practiced.[2]

Notes

  1. ^ Staircases are only installed at this entrance.
  2. ^ Turkmenistan Government claims the water to contain 38 elements including sulfur, iodine, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulfate, aluminum, bromine, iron, and antimony.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Золотой век". 2017-07-04. Archived from the original on 2017-07-04. Retrieved 2021-11-03.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "БАХАРДЕНСКАЯ ПЕЩЕРА • Большая российская энциклопедия - электронная версия". bigenc.ru. Archived from the original on 2020-09-26. Retrieved 2021-11-03.
  3. ^ a b c d "Подземное озеро Ков-Ата – чудо природы". Партнерство для Инноваций (in Russian). 2017-11-27. Retrieved 2021-11-03.
  4. ^ a b c d Brummell, Paul (2005). Turkmenistan. Bradt Travel Guides. pp. 116–117. ISBN 978-1-84162-144-9.
  5. ^ a b c orient.tm (27 May 2020). "Unique natural feature: underground lake Kow Ata". Kow Ata underground lake. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
  6. ^ a b c "Ков-ата - подземное, целебное озеро (+инфографика) • Alpagama". Alpagama (in Russian). 2016-03-12. Retrieved 2021-11-03.
  7. ^ turkmenportal. "Подземное озеро Ков-Ата – чудо природы". Туркменистан, интернет портал о культурной, деловой и развлекательной жизни в Туркменистане (in Russian). Retrieved 2021-11-03.
  8. ^ a b "Kow Ata | Turkmenistan Travel Guide - Koryo Tours". koryogroup.com. 5 March 2020. Retrieved 2021-11-03.

Content Disclaimer

Informasi ini disarikan dari Wikipedia dan disajikan kembali untuk tujuan edukasi. Konten tersedia di bawah lisensi CC BY-SA 3.0. Kami tidak bertanggung jawab atas ketidakakuratan data yang bersumber dari kontribusi publik tersebut.

  1. The information displayed on this website is sourced in part or in whole from Wikipedia and has been adapted for the purpose of restating it. We strive to provide accurate and relevant information, however:
  2. There is no guarantee of absolute accuracy. Wikipedia is an open, collaborative project that can be edited by anyone, so information is subject to change.
  3. It is not intended to constitute professional advice. The content displayed is for informational and educational purposes only. For important decisions (e.g., medical, legal, or financial), please consult a professional.
  4. Content copyright. Wikipedia is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License (CC BY-SA). This means that content may be reused with appropriate attribution and shared under a similar license.
  5. Responsible use. Any risk arising from the use of information from this website is entirely the responsibility of the user.