According to the survey data, ring structures on the Baikal ice are not formed every year: after first detection, such forms were detected in April 2003 and 2005. In 2004, 2006 and 2007 such occurrences were not registered. However, in 2008 these rings appeared in two parts of the lake basin: near Krestovsky cape (a bit to the south-west of the location of 1999, 2003 and 2005 rings) and for the first time near Turka village. In April 2009 these enigmatic forms were detected to the west of the cape Nizhneye Izgoloviye of the Saint Nose peninsular and in the south end of the Lake Baikal.
Reasons and mechanism of ring formations on ice have not been studied in details yet. Presumably, rings formation has something to do with methane natural gas blowouts from the multi-kilometer sedimentary formation of the Baikal bed. Please be reminded that Baikal was formed in an ancient rift valley and continental rifts are characterized by an increased thermal flow and seismic activity, whereas the rift valleys – by a thick formation of sedimentary rocks, where a lot of organic matter is accumulated. Increased thermal field and temperature gradient stipulate an intensive gas generation. Whereas natural gas seepages from the lake bottom are detected by the surfacing bubbles in summer and creation of “polynya” (water openings in ice) from half a meter to hundreds of meters in cross section in winter times.
- However, gigantic dark rings on Baikal ice are of extremely large size, - explain Rosgeolfund specialists. – Probably, such formations are due to seismic activities and tectonic movements within the Baikal rift system.
There is an opinion that in order to explain this mystic phenomenon, it is required to study the point heat source system on the lake bed. In this case “emissions” of heat source, coming up, may result in the creation of rings. According to other versions, it is important to look into the impact of atmospheric and biogenic processes and events to find the reason.
The mystery of circular formations on the Baikal ice is still unraveled. Study of this unique phenomenon using space images will probably soon allow detecting the exact cause of such rings formations in different parts of the lake water area.
More information about this mysterious phenomenon will be available at the 4th International Conference “Earth from Space – the Most Effective Solutions” that will take place on December 2009 at the Moscow Region Vatutinki recreation center of the Russian President Administration.
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