Lake Baikal (5,315 feet [1,620 meters])
Lake Baikal, in Siberia, holds the distinction of being both the deepest lake in the world and the largest freshwater lake, holding more than 20% of the unfrozen fresh water on the surface of Earth.
Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake in the world (by volume) and the world's deepest lake. Somewhat crescent-shaped, it is in the southern Siberia area of Russia.
Lake Baikal is so deep because it is located in an active continental rift zone. The rift zone is widening at a rate of about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per year. As the rift grows wider, it also grows deeper through subsidence. So, Lake Baikal could grow wider and deeper in the future.