Tucked away in the heart of the Kazbegi Municipality in Georgia's Truso Valley is a mesmerizing yet peculiar site: the Abano Mineral Lake Natural Monument. This small karst lake is located on the left bank of the Tergi River, perched at an altitude of 2,127 meters (6,978 feet) above sea level, just to the east of the village of Abano.
The "perplexity" of this natural attraction stems from its unique formation. The lake is the result of a carbon-dioxide-filled underground stream that surges to the surface through carbonate rocks, dating back to the late Jurassic period. This causes the lake to "boil" loudly as carbon dioxide bubbles break the surface, creating an astounding visual display of nature's raw power.
The lake's "burstiness" is evident in its daily emission of an incredible 2.5 million liters (660,430 gallons) of carbon dioxide-filled water over a 24-hour period. Despite its small size, with a total surface area of just 0.04 hectares (0.1 acres), this fascinating lake is one of Georgia's most unique natural features.
But what makes Abano Lake particularly intriguing, albeit somewhat eerie, is the lethal effect it has on small creatures. In calm weather, the released carbon dioxide gas accumulates in the lower atmospheric levels around the lake, causing small animals that venture too close to suffocate. This phenomenon results in occasional sightings of lifeless animals, including mice, lizards, frogs, and birds, near the lake's shores, adding an ominous undertone to the otherwise stunning setting.
The Abano Mineral Lake Natural Monument is located close to the villages of Keterisi and Abano, nestled in the rugged landscapes of the Kazbegi region. From the Gudauri Ski resort, the drive to the lake is approximately 29.6 kilometers (18.4 miles), or about 1 hour and 10 minutes. From Stepantsminda town, it is slightly further at 30 kilometers (18.6 miles), or roughly a 52-minute drive.
For those seeking a glimpse into Georgia's dramatic natural phenomena, Abano Mineral Lake provides an extraordinary, albeit somewhat unsettling, spectacle that showcases the fascinating, yet perilous, aspects of our planet's geology.
