Radon Lake - a miracle of nature

Many researchers are engaged in the study of rare geological objects, such as, for example, radon lake. The Leningrad Region is one of the few in Russia where there is a unique natural phenomenon. In the Lomonosov district there is a large ravine, the depth of which is several tens of meters. On its bottom, a small river Ruditsa paved its way. Next to the building of the local school, the slope of the depression is in the form of a steep rock composed of limestone. This sedimentary rock was formed as early as the Paleozoic era. It consists of fossilized ancient fossils (trilobites) and sea mollusks. Further in the article will be told in detail about the radon lakes and their history.

Location

The village of Lopuhinka, located on the territory of the Leningrad region, is famous for its lakes and radon springs. They are hydrological and regional geological monuments of the region. Radon lakes in the Leningrad region are a natural treasure of the northern capital of Russia. In total there are fourteen landscape monuments. But we will not talk about all of them. Let us dwell only on radon lakes, their properties and history.

General information

Officially, the status of local attractions, this territory acquired in 1976. The whole area, which is 270 hectares, is strictly guarded. Under control are the Lopuhinka River basin and the places where springs are being beaten. It prohibits any production and construction work, as well as actions that can lead to contamination of the protected area. Each radon lake in Lopuhinka is truly unique and peculiar. In all emerald-transparent, crystal clear water. Long since such lakes have been considered witchcraft. But apart from its attractive beauty, these sources have medicinal properties.

The appearance of water bodies

Each radon lake originates from numerous streams and springs. These are artificial reservoirs formed after the construction of dams in the upper reaches of Ruditsa. The upper radon lake stretched for about two hundred meters. The lower one, located after 50 m, is 550 in length, and about 60 m in width. The water in them is distinguished by transparency, purity and soft blue color. This is explained by the fact that there are no algae on the bottom, and reeds do not grow along the banks.

Healing effect

The reservoir has medicinal properties due to radon - a colorless inert radioactive gas. He comes out of the earth, mixing with the groundwater. The radiation background of our planet is strongly influenced by natural radiation sources - radioactive elements contained in the Earth's crust (87%). And radon gives us 32% of them. Gas, dissolved in concentrations of up to 60 Bq / kg, is not dangerous. On the contrary, radon therapy is a traditional way of water therapy. Healing baths with gas have a beneficial effect on sleep, help to reduce pain and eliminate chronic inflammatory processes.

History of the estate

In the village of Lopuhinka, a radon lake is not the only attraction. In ancient times, a well-known noble family here was laid the estate. The manor is mentioned in the documentary archives from the 18th century. It received its name from the name of the founders - the Lopukhins. In 1833, the estate became owned by Pavel Khristianovich Gering, who later assessed the therapeutic properties of radon lakes. In 1841 on this place there was a resort with several hydropathic institutions. In 1839, the governor of Kronstadt, Thaddeus Faddeevich Bellingshausen, and the surgeon N. Pirogov rented the estate and opened a hospital for sailors who were treated for rheumatism with the help of waters from sources. The results of water therapy were positive. The boarding house gained wide popularity at that time. They came here from all over the country. Here you could not only improve your health, but also enjoy in the silence the beauty of the surroundings. The resort here existed until 1885, and the owners of the estate until 1917 remained Goering. Now this building is a secondary school. In the early 20th century, the sources that feed the radon lake attracted the attention of the famous hydrologist NF Pogrebov.

Nature of the village of Lopuhinka

Radon Lake attracted its healing properties and beauty, and the pond nearby became a favorite fishing place - in the 20th century it was inhabited by a trout. But already in 1994 this territory received the status of a hydrogeological monument of nature of local significance. In this regard, fishing is prohibited here. If we talk about vegetation, surrounding the lake and springs, then this is more deciduous forest: oak, elm, linden, maple and ash. Viburnum and honeysuckle are common. The lower tier is represented by a medlina, a bluegrass oak grove, a spring clan, a Voronets spiky, a yellow greyhound. There is also a lily-of-the-valley, buttercup, and prolyresnik, as well as giant fescue, liverwort, stellate lanceolate, snyt, forest cleaver and rare bell broadleaf. Currently, the possibilities of radon lakes are not used. Trout breeding was stopped . The Lopukhin Manor after the second fire is a miserable ruin. But these places, albeit almost forgotten, just like almost two centuries ago, are pleasing with their beauty.

How to get to the Radon Lakes?

Reaching from St. Petersburg to Peterhof, you need to move to Gostylitskoe highway. Then you should drive to Lopuhinka. After passing in the village to the square on the right side, after 200 meters turn right onto the dirt road. This street leads to the manor house. To the left of it there is a staircase, descending on which you can get to the radon lakes.