Lake Chany (Russian: озеро Чаны) is a lake in Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia. The lake extends across five districts of Novosibirsk Oblast: Zdvinsky, Barabinsky, Chanovsky, Kupinsky and Chistoozyorny.
Geography
Lake Chany is one of the largest lakes in Russia. It is located in the Baraba steppe area. The lake is shallow, hyposaline and has a fluctuating water level, which can change from season to season and year to year.
The depth of the lake is mainly 1–2 m, but it can reach 8 m in some places.[2] Lake Chany is connected with the Small Chany (Malye Chany) and Yarkul lakes to the south. North of its northeastern end lies lake Tandovo.[3][4]
Islands
There are about 70 islands on the lake:[5] Amelkina Griva, Shuldikov, Lezhan, Medvezhy, Colpachok, Chinyaikha, Cheryomukhovy, Uzkoredky, Cheryomushkin, Kobyly, Perekopny, Bekarev, Kalinova, Shipyagin, Krugly, Kolotov, Kamyshny etc.
Climate
Severe storms are frequent on Chany, during a powerful wind, high waves occur on the surface of the lake.[2]
Flora and fauna
A variety of ecosystems that surround the lake include a mixture of wetlands, salt marshes, and a mixture of birch and aspen forests. Lake Chany in particular is critically important for the migratory birds of Siberia, and is listed as a Ramsar Site of International Importance.[6]
Folklore
According to local legend, a giant creature which devours cattle and people lives in the lake.[7]
