Gabzaruli Lake

Gabzaruli Lake (გაბზარული ტბა – Gabzaruli Tba), officially designated as Gabzaruli Tba Natural Monument and aptly named “Cracked Lake,” is a unique and fascinating natural feature located in the Imereti region of western Georgia. Situated near the village of Kumistavi in Tskaltubo Municipality, this is not a typical surface lake but rather a deep siphon lake nestled at the bottom of a narrow tectonic fissure or canyon. Despite its remarkably small surface dimensions (only about 5 meters long and 4.5 meters wide), the lake plunges to impressive depths of 45 to 60 meters. It sits within a steep-walled canyon, roughly 25-45 meters deep, surrounded by deciduous forest. The lake’s water is fresh and possesses a striking emerald or bluish-green hue. It is believed to be part of a larger, unexplored cave system connected hydrologically to the nearby Kumi River springs. Used by locals for drinking water, fishing, and even swimming, Gabzaruli Lake is gaining recognition as a unique natural wonder and a destination for nature and adventure tourism, though access into the fissure requires caution.

Identification and Location:

• Name of the Lake: Gabzaruli Lake (გაბზარული ტბა – Gabzaruli Tba), also known as Cracked Lake Natural Monument. Locals may also call it “Tskrvaram”.
• Location:
  • Country/Region: Georgia, Imereti region, Tskaltubo Municipality.
  • Specific Location: Near the village of Kumistavi. Close to the famous Prometheus Cave tourist attraction.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 42.378∘N,42.590∘E.
  • Relationship to other bodies of water: A siphon lake, part of an underground karst hydrological system. It is connected to the Kumi River’s vauclusian springs.

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: Extremely small, approximately 20-25 m2 (roughly 5 meters long by 4.5 meters wide).
• Maximum Depth: Exceptionally deep for its surface area, reaching depths between $45$ and $60$ meters.
• Average Depth: Information unavailable, but significant relative to surface area.
• Volume: Relatively small due to the limited surface area, despite the depth. Information unavailable.
• Elevation: Approximately $166$ meters above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Very short, defined by the walls of the narrow fissure, approximately 15-20 meters in total perimeter.
• Water Source(s): Primarily groundwater connected to a karst/cave system. Fed by inflow within the fissure.
• Outlet(s) (if any): Functions as a siphon, draining into the underground cave system connected to the Kumi River springs.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Tectonic/Karst origin. The lake occupies the bottom of a deep, narrow fissure or canyon formed by tectonic rupture within Cretaceous limestone rock.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): The steep canyon slopes surrounding the fissure are covered with deciduous forest. Aquatic vegetation within the shaded, deep lake itself is likely minimal.
• Fauna (Animal Life): The lake supports fish populations, utilized by local residents. Specific species are not detailed in general descriptions. The surrounding forest provides habitat for typical Imereti region fauna. Connection to cave systems may imply potential for specialized subterranean aquatic fauna (stygofauna), but this is unconfirmed.
• Trophic Level: Information unavailable. Likely influenced by karst water chemistry.
• Water Clarity: Generally described as clear, with a distinct bluish-green or emerald color.
• Water Temperature: Likely cool and relatively stable due to groundwater influence and depth, shielded from direct sunlight.
• pH Levels: Information unavailable; likely influenced by the surrounding limestone.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Information unavailable; sufficient to support fish.
• Unique Ecological Features: A deep siphon lake within a tectonic fissure, part of an active karst hydrological system potentially connected to unexplored caves.
• Conservation Status: Designated as a Natural Monument of Georgia, managed by the Agency of Protected Areas.
• Invasive Species: No information available.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: Long known and utilized by the local community of Kumistavi.
• Current Uses: Source of drinking water for locals. Used recreationally for fishing and swimming (by locals familiar with access). Increasingly recognized as a natural tourist attraction, particularly for adventure and nature enthusiasts.
• Environmental Issues: Potential impacts could arise from unregulated tourism, waste disposal, or changes in the local karst hydrology. Maintaining water quality is important as it’s used for drinking.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Protected as a Natural Monument. Access is noted as difficult and potentially hazardous (steep path), requiring caution, appropriate equipment, and potentially experienced guides. Infrastructure development is minimal.
• Local Communities: The lake is a resource (water) and a place of local significance for the Kumistavi community. It contributes to the area’s growing tourism profile alongside Prometheus Cave.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• The lake’s name “Gabzaruli Tba” (Cracked Lake) directly refers to its location within a deep geological fissure.
• It exhibits a dramatic contrast between its tiny surface area and remarkable depth.
• It is a siphon lake, meaning its water level can fluctuate based on the dynamics of the underground karst system it connects to.
• Its proximity to the popular Prometheus Cave makes it an accessible (though requiring effort to descend to) additional point of interest for visitors to the area.
• Formally recognized and protected as one of Georgia’s Natural Monuments.