World's largest underground thermal lake discovered in Albania

Researchers have returned to an underground thermal lake they first came across in 2021 in southern Albania and confirmed it is the largest of its kind known in the world.

The Neuron Atmos Expedition team found the largest underground thermal lake in the Vromoner area, southern Albania.

In 2021, Czech scientists came across an extensive underground system with thermal springs. 

"According to the high column of steam emerging from the limestone massif, we managed to find an abyss over a hundred meters deep. We called it Atmos. At the bottom, we discovered a strong thermal inflow and a vast lake. In order for Czech science to present this phenomenal discovery, it was necessary to conduct scientific research and precise measurements," said Marek Audy, head of the Neuron Atmos Expedition in a statement.

Lake Neuron, named in honor of the Neuron Foundation, is truly unique. With a length of 138.3 meters, a width of 42 meters and a circumference of 345 meters, it holds 8,335 cubic meters of thermal mineral water. This phenomenon has undergone thorough hydrogeological research, which confirmed its uniqueness. 

The size of the lake dome is three times larger than the main hall of the National Theater in Prague, which only underlines its uniqueness.

"I am extremely proud that we were able to support Czech scientists in such a groundbreaking project," said Monika Řasa Vondráková, Director and Co-Founder of the Neuron Foundation. 

"This success demonstrates how crucial it is to support scientists directly in the field, where they can bring completely new knowledge thanks to their knowledge and commitment. Expeditions like this are crucial for the development of science and deepening our understanding of the world around us," Vondráková said.

During the expedition, scientists used the latest technology, including a mobile lidar scanner, which allowed them to map the underground spaces in detail. Precise geodetic measurements led to the creation of a detailed map of the Atmos cave, including other caves Sulfur, Breška and Kobyla, discovered in 2021.

The Neuron Foundation supported the expedition with an amount of 988 thousand crowns. 

This is the eleventh expedition with field research carried out under the banner of Neuron. Given the global significance of the discovery, the results of the Neuron Atmos Expedition were reported by both local and foreign editions of National Geographic. 

"We are currently discussing publication with a number of European editions, but the project is also being discussed in the parent edition in Washington," confirms editor-in-chief Tomáš Tureček.