Czech researchers confirm groundbreaking geological finding of a thermal lake
Scientists have discovered the world’s largest underground thermal lake inside a cave in southern Albania, in the Vromoner region. This marks an extraordinary success in geological research.
Discovery made in 2021, confirmed in 2024
The lake was initially discovered by Czech researchers in 2021, but at the time, they lacked the necessary instruments to measure it accurately. The Neuron Foundation, an organization that supports Czech scientists, later provided key equipment, allowing the team to confirm the lake’s massive scale.
Lake Neuron: the largest underground thermal lake
Using advanced 3d scanners, the scientists returned to the site in 2024 and verified that the hidden water body is the biggest of its kind known to science.
The lake, named Lake Neuron in honor of the Neuron Foundation, has the following dimensions:
- length: 138.3 meters
- width: 42 meters
- circumference: 345 meters
- water volume: 8,335 cubic meters of thermal mineral water
Formation of the lake and its geological significance
Marek Audy, head of the Neuron Atmos Expedition, explained that a tall column of steam emerging from the limestone massif led the researchers to a deep abyss over 100 meters deep, which they named Atmos.
“At the bottom, we discovered a strong thermal inflow and a vast lake. To properly present this phenomenal discovery, we needed to conduct scientific research and precise measurements,” Audy stated.
Extensive hydrogeological research has confirmed the uniqueness of lake neuron, with its dome being three times larger than the main hall of the national theatre in Prague.
A ‘groundbreaking’ scientific achievement
Monika Řasa Vondráková, director and co-founder of the Neuron Foundation, expressed pride in supporting Czech scientists in such a significant project.
“This success demonstrates how crucial it is to support scientists in the field, where they can bring completely new knowledge thanks to their expertise and commitment. Expeditions like this are essential for the development of science and deepening our understanding of the world around us,” Vondráková said.
This discovery adds to the growing knowledge of underground thermal systems, providing new insights into hydrogeology and cave exploration.