Is the Caspian Sea a Lake? Does It Have Freshwater?

The Caspian Sea is the largest inland body of water in the entire world. However, when you think of inland bodies of water, you likely think of freshwater ponds and lakes. After all, these water features are far more common inland than the saltwater of the ocean or its estuaries. Below, learn the answer to “is the Caspian Sea a lake”, as well as other questions surrounding the world’s largest inland water body.

Is the Caspian Sea a Lake?

Since the time of its discovery, the Caspian Sea has been referred to as a sea. Yet, it has a salinity only about third of that of true saltwater. However, some of its lagoons, such as the  Garabogazköl lagoon, greatly exceed the salinity of the ocean. The Caspian Sea is also often referred to as the world’s largest lake. However, due to many factors, including its size and water composition, the Caspian Sea isn’t a true lake, either. It has no saltwater connections and is only fed by freshwater, though, much like a lake.

So, which is it? As it turns out, both labels can work.

On both historical and cultural level, the Caspian Sea is a sea, with scientific evidence to help back this label. In each of the surrounding countries, the native language refers to this complex body of water as a sea. The United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names also recognizes it as a sea. It has an oceanic seafloor rather than a continental seafloor.

However, it may also be categorized as a lake, specifically an endorheic lake.

Is the Caspian Sea Fresh or Saltwater?

The Caspian Sea features both saltwater and freshwater. In the northern part of the water body, where freshwater routinely feeds into the basin, the water has a low salinity. However, further south, the salinity increases greatly. This is where the Garabogazköl lagoon is located.

Where is the Caspian Sea Located?

The Caspian Sea is located in between the European and Asian continents. Its coordinates are 41.9350° N, 50.6689° E. The countries that border the Caspian Sea are Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan.

How Large is the Caspian Sea?

The overall size of the Caspian Sea is 143,244 square miles. This makes it around five times the size of Lake Superior in North America. At its largest, from north to south, it measures around 750 miles. Its average width is around 200 miles.

What Lives in the Caspian Sea?

The Caspian Sea is home to a wide variety of different organisms. This includes fish like sturgeon or pike, mollusks, and even sponges. Along with its incredible size, it is known for its caviar industry.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © MisoKnitl/iStock via Getty Images