If you recall the lessons of geography, then you can easily answer questions about which lake is the deepest or largest. Everyone knows that this is Baikal and the Caspian Sea. Has anyone ever thought about where the smallest lake in the world is? It turns out that it is located in the state of Florida (USA), on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, in the city of North Port.
The source of the second youth
The reservoir is called Sarasota. According to researchers, this name consists of two Spanish words: "sara", which translates as "sea", and "soto" - "sand".
At the beginning of the 16th century, the famous conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon founded the first European settlement in Puerto Rico and dreamed of seeing with his own eyes the lake, about which there were legends that it gives a second youth. However, Indians, zealous for their shrine, caring for natural purity, did not allow foreign travelers to it. It is curious that just at the time when the Spanish expedition was looking for a source, Florida was discovered.
What is the smallest lake in the world?
The diameter of the tiny lake is constantly changing. And the largest is 175 meters, although locals claim that earlier it was 125 meters. And the depth of the reservoir does not exceed 70 meters. At the bottom of Lake Sarasota, a spring beats, which emits more than 40 thousand cubic meters of mineral water. The healing properties of local attractions have been known for a very long time. The Indians, who considered the reservoir to be sacred, lit ritual bonfires on its shore, organizing bright festivities in honor of their gods. After dancing to the sound of drums, they plunged into the water, and then joined the rest of their tribe, basking in the fire.
Mineral water from all diseases
Indigenous people call the smallest lake in the world "the fountain of youth." It was no coincidence that it got such a name: people who are ill become healthy after swimming in waters containing a huge concentration of minerals. And now the natural monument is the most visited place among tourists who dream to plunge into the clear waters. Those who suffer from arthritis, radiculitis, joint pain are in a hurry here. A special microclimate is created by eucalyptus trees growing on the banks. And vacationers not only bathe in healing water, but also breathe in healing air. For convenience, thick ropes are stretched around the perimeter a few meters from the shore, and swimming is forbidden for them.
Sensational discoveries
But not only mineral water is famous for the smallest lake in the world. In the 50s of the last century, researchers found a gigantic cave in the depths, where they discovered the remains of a primitive man who perfectly preserved tissues and brain. In addition, in one of the underwater labyrinths were the bones of a saber-toothed cat and a huge sloth, which, according to conservative estimates, are about 10 thousand years old. As it turned out, at a depth a high level of minerals turns the lake water into a certain substance resembling formalin. It was this circumstance that helped the remains to be perfectly preserved to our time. Scientists even believe that there was the oldest burial place in North America.
Curious facts
In all geographical directories, the smallest lake in the world by area is known as Warm Mineral Springs - Warm Mineral Springs. The water temperature is 30 ° C, and swimming here is a pleasure.
By the level of mineralization, the miraculous monument takes third place on our planet. It is believed that in its properties the water of America’s natural masterpiece is not inferior to the healing waters of Baden-Baden and Karlovy Vary.
The state authorities are doing everything to preserve the local attraction, and restrain the flow of tourists. That is why schedules for visiting the lake were established. In the fall, from September to November, and from February to March, only 500 people can plunge into the healing waters, which give a surge of strength. To achieve a therapeutic effect, it is necessary to swim in the smallest lake in the world for three weeks, two hours a day. Several years ago, an international competition was held, and the white sandy beach of Sarasota was recognized as the most beautiful and comfortable.