Zaysan-the Only Surviving Cretaceous Lake-May be Lost

Paleontological and geological data indicate the origin of Lake Zaysan in Cretaceous period. The relief of this locality and its position on one of the main water streams of Northern Asia suggests that this basin was never dried. This conclusion is also supported with the established biological history of the region in the entire Cenozoic Era. Thus, the age of the Lake Zaysan is about 70 million years-incomparably older than all other lakes on Earth. The conditions minimizing the sedimentary pressure and supporting stability of the lake persisted over the Cenozoic Era until the end of Pleistocene when it was dramatically changed. The Lake Zaysan-the only Cretaceous live lake-is in the final phase of existence. The human activity, especially the high dam constructed in 1950s, accelerates its vanishing. This analytical article describes the state of the lake and dynamics of its deterioration based on available research publications, aerial and satellite photographs. The urgent international efforts are needed to prolong the life of this unique natural treasure. Some possible approaches are considered.