salines

Salines is a term used for both natural and human-made saline environments as well as for various place names. In geography, salines describe coastal or inland wetlands where saltwater concentrates and evaporates, forming salt marshes, salt flats, or salt pans. These areas typically include shallow brine pools and a crust of halite that forms as evaporation progresses. Historically, salines have been sites of salt production, a practice dating back to ancient times. Salt production often relies on solar evaporation in shallow ponds, where seawater or saline brine is guided through successive ponds to increase salinity and harvest salt crystals. Beyond extraction, many salines function as ecological habitats, supporting salt-tolerant vegetation and a variety of shorebirds and wading birds. They can also be centers of cultural heritage and tourism, with some still producing salt today while others are preserved as natural or historical sites.

Toponymy is another common use of the term. In French-speaking regions, salines appear in numerous place names, frequently reflecting historical saltworks. Notable examples include the salines of Guérande in western France, a traditional salt-production area, and coastal towns or districts bearing the names La Saline, Salines, or Les Salines. For instance, La Saline-les-Bains is a locality on Réunion island, and Les Salines is a well-known beach area in Martinique.