Paravani Lake

The largest lake by surface area in Georgia, Paravani Lake is on the enormous Javakheti Volcanic Plateau in the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region. Rising within a basin created by volcanic and tectonic activity, this large but relatively shallow lake sits at high altitude above 2000 meters. The area has a severe climate that causes the lake to freeze entirely solid throughout the protracted winters, hence attracting ice fishing. Several tiny streams and underground springs feed Paravani Lake, which also starts the Paravani River, a major tributary of the Mtkvari (Kura). From an ecological standpoint, it’s a crucial component of the Javakheti wetlands, famous as a significant habitat for many bird species, notably for ducks. Important for local people involved in both commercial and leisure fishing, the lake also supports notable fish populations. Adding to its interest, underwater archaeological studies have uncovered signs of old towns buried under its waters, maybe reaching back to the Bronze Age. Paravani Lake, part of the Javakheti Protected Areas, is acknowledged for both its natural richness and cultural importance.

Identification and Location

• Name: Paravani Lake (Georgian: ფარავანის ტბა).
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Samtskhe-Javakheti
  • Municipality: Ninotsminda
  • Nearest Major Landmark/Area: Located on the Javakheti Plateau. Villages such as Poka, Vladimirovka (formerly Tambovka), and Aspara are situated along its shores.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 41∘26′ N latitude, 43∘47′ E longitude.
• Connections: Fed by the Shaori, Sabadostskali, and Rodionovskistskali rivers, as well as groundwater and precipitation. It is the origin point of the Paravani River, which flows out from its southern end.

Physical Characteristics

• Surface Area: Approximately 37.5 square kilometers, making it the largest lake in Georgia by area.
• Maximum Depth: Shallow, around 3.3 meters.
• Average Depth: Very shallow, averaging about 2.2 meters.
• Volume: Significant due to its large surface area, estimated at around 91 million cubic meters.
• Elevation: High altitude, approximately 2073 meters above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Approximately 23.4 kilometers.
• Water Source(s): Rivers (Shaori, Sabadostskali, Rodionovskistskali), snowmelt, precipitation, groundwater.
• Outlet(s): The Paravani River.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: A volcanic-tectonic depression formed on the Javakheti Plateau’s lava flows.

Ecological Information

• Flora: Contains various aquatic macrophytes typical of shallow lake environments. The surrounding landscape consists primarily of high-altitude grasslands and steppes, with some wetland areas near river inflows.
• Fauna: Supports substantial fish populations, important for local fisheries (species include common carp, crucian carp, khramulya (Varicorhinus), and likely introduced species like trout and ripus). It is a key site within the Javakheti wetlands for numerous breeding and migratory bird species, especially waterfowl.
• Trophic Level: Generally considered Mesotrophic to Eutrophic (moderate to high nutrient levels), influenced by its shallowness and catchment characteristics.
• Water Clarity: Often low or turbid, primarily due to the shallow depth allowing wind action to stir up bottom sediments, and potentially due to phytoplankton.
• Water Temperature: Experiences extreme seasonal fluctuations. Freezes completely in winter (ice can be tens of centimeters thick) and warms significantly in the summer months.
• pH Levels: Likely neutral to slightly alkaline.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Can be variable, potentially decreasing under ice cover or during calm, warm periods.
• Unique Ecological Features: Georgia’s largest lake by area; significant fish resource supporting winter ice fishing; vital bird habitat within the Javakheti wetlands.
• Conservation Status: Part of the Javakheti Protected Areas system (likely Javakheti National Park or a related Managed Reserve), with regulations potentially governing fishing and other activities.
• Invasive Species: Some fish species present may have been introduced historically.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: Site of major underwater archaeological findings, including remnants of structures and artifacts pointing to a significant Bronze Age settlement submerged beneath the lake. The surrounding area has a long history of human presence, including diverse ethnic communities and historical sites like the Poka Nunnery.
• Current Uses: Crucial for local fishing (commercial, recreational, subsistence), especially known for ice fishing during winter. The source of the Paravani River. Surrounding land is used for agriculture (notably potato farming) and livestock grazing. Growing potential for ecotourism, particularly birdwatching.
• Environmental Issues: Susceptible to water level fluctuations (influenced by climate and potentially water use). Risk of eutrophication and pollution from adjacent agricultural activities and settlements. Sedimentation can impact the shallow basin. Balancing fishing pressures with conservation is an ongoing consideration.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Managed by Georgia’s Agency of Protected Areas within the framework of the Javakheti Protected Areas. Fishing regulations are in place. Conservation efforts aim to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable local livelihoods. Archaeological interest continues.
• Local Communities: The lake is vital for the economy and way of life in surrounding villages, heavily reliant on fishing and agriculture. These communities often represent diverse ethnic backgrounds (Armenians, Georgians, historically Doukhobors).

Interesting or Unique Facts

• It is the largest lake in Georgia by surface area.
• Significant Bronze Age archaeological sites lie submerged beneath its waters.
• The lake freezes completely in winter, enabling a unique tradition of ice fishing.
• It is situated at a high elevation on a volcanic plateau in one of Georgia’s coldest regions.
• It gives rise to the Paravani River.