Paravani lake (ფარავნის ტბა) is a volcanic lake in Georgia, located in Javakheti Plateau between Abul-Samsari and Javakheti Ranges.

Geography and hydrography

Paravani Lake is located 2073 m above sea level and has a surface area of 37.5 km2 and a drainage basin of 234 km2. Its maximum and average depths are 3.3 m and 2.2 m respectively. The volume of the lake is 91000000 m3. The water level is low during October and November and is high during May and June. The lake is frozen during wintertime and the thickness of the ice ranges from 47 to 73 cm. In addition to the small rivers of Shaori, Sabadostskali, and Rodionovskis Tskali, the lake gets its water from snow, rain, and underground springs. The river Paravani begins from the southern part of the lake, and connects to the Mtkvari to the right. The lake is a popular destination for fishing.

Mystery of lake Paravani

Spectral analysis shows that deep in the lake abyss lies a mysterious object. It appears of ancient origin. Scientists consider it dated to the Bronze Age at least. Geophysical studies show this large structure at the bottom of the lake.