Many researchers are studying rare geological objects, such as the radon lake. The Leningrad Region is one of the few in Russia where there is a unique natural phenomenon. There is a large ravine in the Lomonosov region, the depth of which is several tens of meters. A small river Ruditsa has made its way along its bottom.
Near the building of the local school, the slope of the depression is in the form of a sheer rock, composed of limestone. This sedimentary rock was formed in the Paleozoic era. It consists of fossilized ancient fossils (trilobites) and sea molluscs. The rest of the article will tell you in detail about the radon lakes and their history.
Location
The village of Lopukhinka, 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. There are fourteen landscape monuments in the region. But we will not talk about all of them. Let us dwell only on the radon lakes, their properties and history.
General information
This area officially acquired the status of a local landmark in 1976. The entire area, which covers an area of 270 hectares, is strictly guarded. The basin of the Lopukhinka River and the places where the springs flow are under control. Any production and construction work is prohibited here, as well as actions that can lead to pollution of the protected area. Each radon lake in Lopukhinka is truly unique and original. All have emerald-transparent, crystal clear water. Such lakes have long been considered witchcraft. But besides their attractive beauty, these springs have healing properties.
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The emergence of reservoirs
Each radon lake originates from numerous streams and springs. These are artificial reservoirs formed after the construction of dams in the upper reaches of the Ruditsa. The upper radon lake stretches for about two hundred meters. The lower one, located after 50 m, is 550 m long, about 60 m wide. The water in them is transparent, clean and pale blue. This is due to the fact that there are no algae at the bottom, and reeds do not grow along the banks.
Healing action
The reservoir has medicinal properties thanks to radon - a colorless inert radioactive gas. It comes out of the ground, mixing with groundwater. The radiation background of our planet is strongly influenced by natural sources of radiation - radioactive elements contained in the Earth's crust (87%). And radon gives us 32% of them. Dissolved gas at a concentration of up to 60 Bq / kg is not dangerous. On the contrary, radon therapy is a traditional method of hydrotherapy. Therapeutic gas baths have a beneficial effect on sleep, reduce pain and eliminate chronic inflammation.
Manor history
In the village of Lopukhinka, the radon lake is not the only attraction. In ancient times, a famous noble family established an estate here. The estate has been mentioned in documentary archives since the 18th century. It got its name from the surname of the founders - the Lopukhins. In 1833, the estate began to belong to Pavel Khristianovich Goering, who later appreciated the healing properties of the radon lakes. In 1841, a resort with several hydrotherapy centers appeared on this place. In 1839 the governor of Kronstadt Faddey Faddeevich Bellingshausen and the surgeon N. I. Pirogov rented the estate and opened a hospital for sailors who were being treated for rheumatism with the help of water from springs. The results of the water therapy were positive. The boarding house gained wide popularity at that time. People came here from all over the country. Here you could not only improve your health,but also enjoy the beauty of the surroundings in silence. The resort existed here until 1885, and the Göringes remained the owners of the estate until 1917. Now this building houses a secondary school. At the beginning of the 20th century, the springs that feed the radon lake attracted the attention of the famous hydrologist N. F. Pogrebov.
Lopukhinka village nature
Radon Lake attracted with its healing properties and beauty, and the nearby reservoir became a favorite fishing spot - in the 20th century it was populated with trout. But already in 1994, this territory received the status of a hydrogeological natural monument of local importance. In this regard, fishing is prohibited here. If we talk about the vegetation surrounding the lakes and springs, then these are more deciduous forests: oak, elm, linden, maple and ash. Viburnum and common honeysuckle are found. The lower tier is represented by lungwort, oak bluegrass, spring rank, black spikelet, yellow zelenchuk. Here grows lily of the valley, buttercup, and forested forest, as well as giant fescue, liverwort, lanceolate stellate, lanceolate, chimpanzee and rare broad-leaved bell. Currently, the possibilities of radon lakes are not used. Trout farming has ceased. The Lopukhins' estate after the second fire is a pitiful ruin. But these places, albeit almost forgotten, just like almost two centuries ago, delight with their beauty.
How to get to the radon lakes?
Having reached from St. Petersburg to Peterhof, you need to move onto the Gostilitskoye highway. Then you should get to Lopukhinka. After driving in the village to the square on the right side, after 200 meters, turn right onto a dirt road. This street will lead to the estate. On the left side of it there is a staircase, going down which you can get to the radon lakes.