endorheiset

Endorheiset is a term derived from Greek words meaning "within" and "flow," referring to bodies of water that do not drain into the ocean. Instead, these systems collect water from precipitation and runoff, which then either evaporates, seeps into the ground, or is consumed by plants. This creates closed drainage basins where water accumulates.

Examples of endorheic basins are widespread across the globe, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where evaporation rates are high. The Aral Sea in Central Asia, historically a vast inland lake, is a prominent and concerning example of an endorheic system. Other notable endorheic basins include the Great Basin in the United States, which contains numerous lakes and playas, and the Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland body of water. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a unique inland delta that forms an endorheic basin, spreading out into the Kalahari Desert.

The characteristics of an endorheic system are heavily influenced by the surrounding climate. In dry regions, these basins often feature salt flats or playas, remnants of evaporated lakes. The salinity of the water in endorheic lakes can increase over time due to the continuous inflow of dissolved minerals and the absence of outflow. These basins play a crucial role in local ecosystems and can be sensitive indicators of climate change and human water use.