An application has been submitted to include the unique microbialites located in the depths of Lake Van — known as “underwater fairy chimneys” — in the Guinness World Records.

Some microbialites reach heights of up to 40 meters, and the application has already passed the preliminary selection stage and is now in the second stage of scientific evaluation.

Specialists note that the microbialites of Lake Van are among the world’s most fascinating underwater natural formations and have long attracted the attention of the scientific community.