Keli Lake

Keli Lake (ყელის ტბა) is the largest and most prominent lake on the high-altitude Keli Volcanic Plateau, situated in the Greater Caucasus mountains. Located at an elevation of approximately 2914 meters (9560 feet), it is a significant geographical feature, known primarily as the source of the Ksani River, which flows southwards. The lake itself lies within the territory of Akhalgori Municipality, currently occupied by Russia.

This volcanic-glacial lake covers a surface area of about 1.28 square kilometers and is remarkably deep for a mountain lake, reaching a maximum depth of 63 meters, with an average depth of nearly 25 meters. It holds a substantial volume of very clear, cold freshwater, fed by snowmelt, rainfall, and underground springs within the unique volcanic landscape of the plateau. The surrounding terrain is stark and barren, consisting of volcanic rock, alpine tundra, and scree slopes, typical of elevations above the treeline.

Due to the extreme altitude and harsh climate, Keli Lake is frozen solid for about 7-8 months of the year, typically from October through June. Ecologically, it is an oligotrophic system with very limited aquatic life, likely devoid of fish. Before the 2008 conflict and subsequent occupation, Keli Lake was a destination for very challenging, multi-day high-altitude treks crossing the Keli Plateau, often visited alongside nearby smaller lakes like Tsivi Tba. However, due to the current occupation and its location directly within the occupied territory, access from Georgia-controlled areas is prohibited and highly dangerous.

Identification and Location:

• Name: Keli Lake (ყელის ტბა).
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia (within internationally recognized borders).
  • Region: Located on the Keli Volcanic Plateau, straddling the boundary between historical Shida Kartli and Mtskheta-Mtianeti regions.
  • Municipality: Primarily within Akhalgori Municipality (Currently under Russian Occupation).
  • Nearest Major Landmark: Keli Volcanic Plateau. Source of the Ksani River.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 42.48∘ N latitude, 44.31∘ E longitude.
• Relationship to other bodies of water: The largest lake on the Keli Plateau. The source of the Ksani River. Located near other smaller volcanic/glacial lakes like Tsivi Tba.

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: ≈1.28 km2 (approx. 0.49 sq mi).
• Maximum Depth: $\approx 63\text{ m}$ (approx. 207 ft).
• Average Depth: $\approx 24.7\text{ m}$ (approx. 81 ft).
• Volume: ≈31.6 million m3.
• Elevation: $\approx 2914\text{ m}$ (approx. 9560 ft) above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Data unavailable; shoreline is predominantly rocky and barren.
• Water Source(s): Snowmelt, rainfall, underground water/springs within the volcanic plateau.
• Outlet(s): Yes, the primary source of the Ksani River, flowing south from the lake.
• Water Type: Freshwater. Known for high clarity.
• Basin Geology: Volcanic-glacial lake on the Keli Volcanic Plateau. Likely formed by lava flows damming a glacial feature.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): Surrounded by high-alpine tundra vegetation – sparse grasses, mosses, lichens. No trees. Aquatic vegetation is expected to be absent or extremely minimal due to cold, depth, and ice cover.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Reportedly fishless. Aquatic life limited to cold-adapted invertebrates. May be visited by high-altitude bird species. The surrounding remote plateau could potentially host mountain mammals like tur or chamois.
• Trophic Level: Strongly Oligotrophic (very low in nutrients).
• Water Clarity: Very high (transparent).
• Water Temperature: Very cold year-round. Frozen solid for 7-8 months (approx. Oct-June). Water remains near freezing point even in summer.
• pH Levels: Data unavailable.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Data unavailable; likely high throughout due to cold temperatures.
• Unique Ecological Features: High-altitude volcanic/glacial lake ecosystem. Source of a major river (Ksani). Deep alpine lake.
• Conservation Status: Located in occupied territory, preventing standard conservation management from the Georgian side. The environment is naturally protected by its remoteness and harsh conditions.
• Invasive Species: Extremely unlikely.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: Part of the high Caucasus landscape, potentially used seasonally or for transit by local populations historically.
• Current Uses: Access from Georgia-controlled territory is currently impossible / highly restricted and dangerous due to the Russian occupation. Prior to 2008, it was a destination for advanced multi-day trekking. No regular recreational or economic use accessible from Georgia-controlled side.
• Environmental Issues: Primary issue is the lack of access for monitoring or management due to the political situation. Natural hazards associated with high altitude and remoteness apply.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Falls within occupied territory, outside the effective control of Georgian authorities.
• Local Communities: Remote from communities in Georgia-controlled territory.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• The source of the Ksani River.
• The largest and deepest lake on the Keli Volcanic Plateau.
• Located at a very high altitude (over 2900 meters).
• Known for its exceptionally clear, cold water.
• Remains frozen for about 7-8 months each year.
• Crucially, the lake is situated in territory currently occupied by Russia, making visits from Georgia-controlled areas unfeasible and dangerous.