drylake

A dry lake, also known as an endorheic lake, playa, or alkali flat, is a lake that has ceased to exist as a standing body of water. Dry lakes are typically found in arid or semi-arid regions where evaporation exceeds precipitation. They often form in basins that have no outlet to the sea, meaning water that flows into the basin cannot escape. Over time, as water evaporates, dissolved minerals are left behind, leading to the formation of salt crusts or other evaporite deposits.

The appearance of a dry lake can vary greatly. Some may be vast, flat expanses of cracked mud, while others might be covered in a thick layer of salt. The surface can be hard and stable, or soft and treacherous. During periods of heavy rainfall, a dry lake may temporarily fill with water, creating a shallow lake that quickly evaporates once the rains stop. These temporary lakes can support unique ecosystems adapted to the fluctuating water levels and high salinity.

Dry lakes are geological features that can provide valuable insights into past climate conditions and hydrological processes. The mineral deposits left behind can also be of economic importance, with some dry lakes being sources of salt, borax, and other valuable minerals. The flat, open terrain of many dry lakes has also made them suitable for use as landing strips for aircraft and as sites for scientific experiments requiring large, open spaces.