Lake Bolsena (Italy) is a part of Vulsini Volcanic Complex.

Lake Bolsena

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Context: An ancient clay figurine dating to the Iron Age has been found in Lake Bolsena, Italy.

Details

Name	Lake Bolsena.
Location	Italy.
Type	Volcanic origin. It is the largest volcanic lake in Europe.
Formation	It is a crater lake of central Italy, of volcanic origin, which was formed starting 370,000 years ago following the collapse of a caldera of the Vulsini volcanic complex into a deep aquifer. Roman historic records indicate activity of the Vulsini volcano occurred as recently as 104 BC, since when it has been dormant.
Inflow	The lake is supplied entirely from the aquifer, rainfall and runoff.
Outflow	The Marta is an Italian river that flows into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its source is Lake Bolsena near Marta.
Surface area	114.5 square kilometers, having a circumference of 43km.
Islands	Bisentina, Martana, Rocky Island.
Vegetation	Groves of evergreen oaks.
Unique Phenomena	It is known for a strange phenomenon, known locally as “sessa”, which causes tidal-like movements in the lake.
Economic activity	Fishing , Tourism.
Cultural and spiritual significance	In ancient times, it was considered a sacred place by the Etruscans.
Pollution	Fertilizer contamination, Sewage.

Recent Discovery

Recently, researchers working at the underwater archaeological site of Gran Carro di Bolsena in Aiola, Italy, unearthed the rudimentary clay creation from the depths of volcanic Lake Bolsena.
The unfinished clay figure of a woman "still shows the marks of the fingerprints" of its maker, dating back to between the 10th and 9th centuries BC.
Wooden poles and ceramic fragments were found southwest of the lake and were found to be tied to the early Iron Age.

Volcanoes and Volcanic Landforms: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/ol-doinyo-lengai-volcano 7th August 2024.

Volcanoes of Italy: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/etna-and-stromboli-volcanoes#:~:text=Stratovolcanoes%2C%20also%20known%20as%20composite,and%20more%20viscous%20than%20basalt. 8th July, 2024.

Sources:

http://www.poderesantapia.com/album/sur14.htm

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/italy-ancient-3000-year-old-clay-figurine-discovered-underwater-with-fresh-finger-prints/amp_articleshow/112400480.cms

https://wikitravel.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Lake_Bolsena&redirect=no&mobileaction=toggle_view_desktop

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following pairs.

1. Lake Oneg – Russia.

2. Lake Vanern- Finland.

3. Lake Saima – Spain.

4. Lake Bolsena- Italy.

How many of the above pair/s is/are correct?

A. Only one

B. Only two

C. Only three

D. All four

Answer B

Lake Oneg: Situated entirely in Russia, Lake Onega is the second-largest lake in Europe by surface area, spanning approximately 9,700 square kilometres.

Lake Vanern: Located in Sweden, Lake Vänern is the largest lake in the country and the third-largest lake in Europe, covering an area of approximately 5,655 square kilometres.

Lake Saima: Situated in Finland, Lake Saimaa is the largest lake in the country, covering an area of around 4,400 square kilometres.