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Namak Lake
Namak Lake (Persian: دریاچه نمک, romanized: Daryâče-ye Namak, i.e., salt lake) is a salt lake in Iran. It is located approximately 100 km (62 mi) east of the city of Qom and 60 km (37 mi) of Aran va bidgol at an elevation of 790 metres (2,590 ft) above sea level. The lake is a remnant of the Paratethys sea, which started to dry up from the Pleistocene epoch, leaving Lake Urmia and the Caspian Sea and other bodies of water. The lake has a surface area of about 1,800 km2 (690 sq mi), but most of this is dry. Water only covers 1 km2 (0.4 sq mi). The lake only reaches a depth between 45 centimetres (17.72 in) to 1 metre (39.37 in). Environmental characteristicsThe air in this area is very dry and the temperature difference between day and night reaches 70 degrees Celsius.[1] Due to the high rate of evaporation and very high salinity of the water, Qom's salt lake has a desert-like structure and is covered with thick layers of salt. Also, this lake is known as the habitat of some special plant and animal species that have the ability to live in the harsh and salty conditions of this region.[2] Aliabad Caravanserai, Red Castle, Desert National Park, Sefidab Caravanserai and Manzariyeh Caravanserai are some of the sightseeing places in Qom around Namak Lake.[3] References
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