Expedition Neuron Discovers the World's Largest Underground Thermal Lake

A Czech scientific team has achieved a groundbreaking success in geological research. In southern Albania, in the Vromoner region, the Neuron Atmos Expedition has discovered the world's largest underground thermal lake. This globally significant discovery was made possible thanks to  the Neuron Foundation’s funding of essential equipment for the expedition.

It was already in 2021 when Czech scientists first encountered an extensive underground system with thermal springs . “Based on the high column of steam emerging from the limestone massif, we were able to locate an abyss over 100 meters deep, which we named Atmos. At its bottom, we discovered a strong thermal inflow and a vast lake. In order to be able to present this extraordinary find to the scientific community, thorough research and precise measurements were needed,” explained Marek Audy, leader of the Neuron Atmos Expedition.

Named in honor of the Neuron Foundation, Lake Neuron is a true geological rarity. Measuring 138.3 meters in length, 42 meters in width, with a perimeter of 345 meters, the lake holds a total of 8,335 cubic meters of thermal mineral water. A detailed hydrogeological study has confirmed its exceptional nature. To illustrate its vastness: the lake’s dome is three times larger than the main hall of the National Theatre in Prague, a true testament to  its uniqueness.

“I am incredibly proud that we could support Czech scientists in such a groundbreaking project,” said Monika Řasa Vondráková, director and co-founder of the Neuron Foundation. “This achievement underscores the importance of supporting scientists directly in the field, where their expertise and dedication lead to new discoveries. Expeditions like these are vital for advancing science and expanding our understanding of the world around us."

The scientists used state-of-the-art technologies during the expedition, including a mobile LiDAR scanner, which allowed for detailed mapping of the underground spaces. Precise geodetic measurements created a comprehensive map of the Atmos Cave and other nearby caves, such as Sulfur, Breška, and Kobyla, which were already discovered in 2021.

The Neuron Foundation supported the expedition with a sum of  988,000 CZK. It was the eleventh field research project conducted under the Neuron initiative. Given the global significance of this discovery, both local and international editions of National Geographic have expressed interest in publishing the findings. “We are currently discussing publishing  with several European editions, the project is also being reviewed at the Washington headquarters edition,” confirmed editor-in-chief Tomáš Tureček.

The Neuron Foundation – Advancing Science

The Neuron Foundation actively supports Czech scientific community by recognizing outstanding researchers with Neuron Awards, the foundation seeks new scientific talents and facilitates student internships at prestigious international universities. The foundation  funds field research through Neuron Expeditions, which lead to notable discoveries such as that  of the oldest known Mayan city and a previously undocumented species of the uakari monkey.

All funding of the Neuron Foundation comes from private patrons, including prominent figures such as Dalibor Dědek, Eduard Kučera, Josef Průša, Jaroslav Řasa, Monika Vondráková, Francesca Kolowrat, Václav Dejčmar, Marek Vašíček, and Otakar Šuffner. To date, the foundation has invested 140 million CZK to support and promote Czech science, it awarded 120 Neuron Prizes, and funded 11 scientific expeditions with a total value of 5.5 million CZK.