Van lake

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Van lake

Lake Van (Van Gölü) is the largest lake in Turkey, located in the far east of the country in Van district. It is a saline soda lake, receiving water from numerous small streams that descend from the surrounding mountains. Lake Van is one of the world's largest endorheic lakes (having no outlet). The original outlet from the basin was blocked by an ancient volcanic eruption.

Although Lake Van is situated at an altitude of 1,640 m (5,380 ft) with harsh winters, it does not freeze due to its high salinity except occasionally the shallow northern section. Lake Van has an area of 3,755 km2 (1,450 sq mi) and a volume of 607 cubic kilometres (146 cu mi). The main islands are: Akdamar, Çarpanak, Adır, Kuş. On Akdamar island is The Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross (Սուրբ Խաչ, Surb Khach).