Lake Balkhash

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Lake Balkhash

Lake Balkhash (Балқаш Көлі, Balqaş köli, Озеро Балхаш) is one of the largest lakes in Asia and 13th largest continental lake in the world. It is located in southeastern Kazakhstan, in Central Asia, and belongs to an endorheic (closed) basin shared by Kazakhstan and China, with a small part in Kyrgyzstan. These rivers are: Ili, Karatal, Aksu, Lepsi, Byan, Kapal, Koksu. The lake currently covers 16,400 km2 (6,300 sq mi), but, like the Aral Sea, it is shrinking because of the diversion of water from the rivers that feed it.
Lake Balkhash had 3 islands (Basaran, Ortaaral, Tasaral), 5 peninsulas (Saryesik, Baygabyl, Balai, Shaukar, Kentubek) and 2 bays (Shempek and Saryshagan). Saryesik Peninsula, located near the middle of the lake, hydrographically divides it into two very different parts. The western part, which comprises 58% of the total lake area and 46% of its volume, is relatively shallow, quiet and is filled with freshwater, whereas the eastern part is much deeper and saltier. These parts are connected by the Strait Uzynaral (Ұзынарал).