Czech Researchers Discover Large Geothermal Lake in Albanian Cave System

A team of Czech researchers has discovered a significant geothermally-heated underground lake in Albania, located near Leskovik, close to the Greek border. The discovery, initially made in 2021, was thoroughly explored in 2024 with backing from the Neuron Foundation, a Czech organization supporting scientific research.

The lake, situated within the Atmos Cave system, has been mapped using mobile LiDAR scanning technology. The team also mapped nearby caves, including Sulfur, Breška, and Kobyla.

Marek Audy, a caver involved in the project, emphasized the potential impact of this discovery on understanding underground ecosystems and geological processes. Monika Řasa Vondráková, director of the Neuron Foundation, highlighted the importance of supporting field research for scientific advancement.