Paravani lake
ფარავნის ტბა (Georgian)
Paravani lake Show map of Samtskhe-Javakheti Paravani lake Show map of Georgia
Coordinates	41°27′50″N 43°48′50″E / 41.46389°N 43.81389°E / 41.46389; 43.81389
Primary inflows	Shaori, Sabadostskali, Rodionovskis Tskali, precipitation, underground springs
Primary outflows	Paravani
Catchment area	234 km2 (90 sq mi)
Basin countries	Georgia
Surface area	37.5 km2 (14.5 sq mi)
Average depth	2.2 m (7 ft 3 in)
Max. depth	3.3 m (11 ft)
Water volume	0.091 km3 (0.022 cu mi)
Surface elevation	2,073 m (6,801 ft)

Paravani lake (Georgian: 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 2,073 m (6,801 ft) above sea level and has a surface area of 37.5 km² (14.5 sq mi) and a drainage basin of 234 km² (90 sq mi). Its maximum and average depths are 3.3 m (11 ft) and 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in) respectively. The volume of the lake is 91,000,000 m³ (3.2×10⁹ cu ft). 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 (19 to 29 in).^[1]

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 shows this large structure at the bottom of lake Paravani.^[2]