Lake Boyukshor

Boyukshor (Azerbaijani: Böyük Şor gölü), also spelled separately Boyuk Shor (in translation refers to "Big Salty Waters") is the second largest lake of Azerbaijan and largest on Absheron Peninsula.[3] It is located in the center of the Absheron peninsula, on the boundaries of Binagadi, Sabunchu and Narimanov raions of the city of Baku.

Lake Boyukshor
LocationAbsheron Peninsula, Azerbaijan
Coordinates40°27′02″N 49°53′15″E
Lake typeEndorheic lake
Basin countriesAzerbaijan
Max. length10 km (6.2 mi)
Max. width1.5–2.0 km (0.93–1.24 mi)
Surface area16.2 km2 (6.3 sq mi)[1]
Average depth2.35 m (7.7 ft)
Max. depth4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Water volume45 million cubic metres (1.6×10^9 cu ft)
References[2]

Overview

According to geological data, the average depth of the water in the lake is 3.40-3.95 meters; the maximum depth is 4.20 meters. The shoreline depth ranges from 0.50 to 1.70 meters. The lake is in oval shape and its length from the northwestern to southeastern bank is about 10 km whilst the maximum width is 1.5-2.0 km. The lake feeds from the underground waters and completely contained from any rivers. The lake surface is 1,300 hectares and the volume is 45 million cm3.[4]

Ecology

The ecological situation of the lake is in bad state. It is polluted with waste from surrounding businesses. According to the Ministry of Ecology, about 18 thousand m3 of industrial and communal waste is disposed to the lake. One of the main sources of pollution is the oil waste waters from oil exploration and production boom of the 1930s. The first oil storage reservoir was built near the lake in 1866.[5] In 2004, the ecological state of the lake was placed in extremely poor category.[4] Additionally, the construction works which started with drying out of the lake caused more pollution for the residents of the area. The strong winds of Baku create dust from the sand transported to the lake location to dry the lake.[6] Expert have also alleged that while dehydrating the lake, sediments spread by the wind will cause more ecological problems.[7]

Construction of entertainment complex

In the 2000s, Baku authorities prepared a plan for construction of a big entertainment complex on the place of the Boyuk Shor lake. The lake is planned to be dried out and set of parks and buildings be constructed on its territory. The first stage of the project plans to consume 128 hectares of the territory with 70% to be composed of soil and 30% of yet to be created clean artificial lake. It will include an entertainment park, sports and resort facilities and gardens. Azerbaijan's Oil Museum, Azerbaijani Tea and Azerbaijani Wines museums are proposed to be built as well. A new mall on 4.5 hectares will be built too. The main entrance to the park will be from the Boyuk Shor Highway (known as the "airport highway") Close to the entrance, "Children's World" complex will be constructed. It will include a movie theater, concert hall, cafe, a zoo (14 ha), attractions park (10 ha). The center of the complex will have an artificial lake with small boats tours, a 300-meter-high (980 ft) waterfall. The complex will also include a 1,000-meter-long (3,300 ft) railroad for kids.[8]

References
  1. "Ministry of Ecology of Azerbaijan: Lakes". Archived from the original on 17 October 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  2. "Virtual Azerbaijan". Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  3. "Water resources of Azerbaijan". Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  4. "Ministry of Ecology". Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  5. Azerbaijan International, Mir Yusif Mir-Babayev Azerbaijan's Oil History: A Chronology Leading up to the Soviet Era Summer 2002, pp 34-40
  6. BÖYÜKŞOR GÖLÜNÜ QURUDUB ƏRAZİSİNİ SATACAQLAR Archived 2010-07-04 at the Wayback Machine
  7. "Lahudi Aliyev: "Dehydration of Lake Boyuk Shor may cause unknown diseases"". Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  8. Böyük Şor gölünün ərazisində tikiləcək Bakı Əyləncə-İdman Kompleksi paytaxtın ən möhtəşəm memarlıq incilərindən biri olacaq
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