Czech Scientists Discover World’s Largest Underground Thermal Lake
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Loading... - Caitlin Byrne
- 10 Feb 2025
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A team of Czech speleologists has made a remarkable discovery: the largest underground thermal lake in the world, located in southern Albania. This extraordinary find measures 138.3 meters in length and 42 meters in width, containing an estimated 8,335 cubic meters of mineral-rich thermal water. The lake is situated 127 meters underground, making it one of the most significant geological discoveries in recent years.
The journey to this groundbreaking find began in 2021 when Czech speleologist Marek Audy suspected the existence of a rare thermal cave system in Albania’s Vromoner area. Drawing from his experience with similar formations in the Guadalupe Mountains of New Mexico, Audy theorized that hydrothermal activity in Albania could have created comparable underground chambers.
During a family trip that summer, Audy and his wife explored a cave known as Sulfur Cave, accessible from the Sarandaporo River. Although they were not the first to enter the cave, Audy felt a strong intuition that it was unique. Despite the lukewarm water temperature of 26°C, which fell short of his promise for a thermal spring experience, his scientific curiosity prevailed.
“With scorpions, spiders, heat, and an overwhelming stench, I wouldn’t exactly call it a romantic cave,” Audy humorously noted. “But I was already reaching for my notebook.”
The discovery was facilitated by Albania’s relative isolation during the communist era under dictator Enver Hoxha, which left many of its natural wonders unexplored. It wasn’t until 2022 that the team observed something remarkable: a plume of steam rising from an uncharted location, captured in drone footage. This clue led them to the Atmos Cave, a vast underground cavern that ultimately housed the monumental thermal lake.
The Czech team successfully measured the lake, confirming it as the largest known underground thermal lake on Earth. Its dome-shaped cavern is nearly three times the size of the main hall of Prague’s National Theatre, showcasing the scale of this incredible geological feature.
The discovery has sparked discussions about safety protocols for future expeditions, as scientists work to develop new methods for exploring hazardous underground environments without compromising safety.
The discovery of the world’s largest underground thermal lake by Czech scientists marks a significant milestone in speleological research and highlights the untapped natural wonders of Albania. This groundbreaking find not only enhances our understanding of underground thermal systems but also opens the door for further exploration and study of the region’s geological potential. As researchers continue to investigate this remarkable site, it promises to contribute valuable insights into the Earth’s natural processes and the importance of preserving such unique environments.
