Maharloo Lake

Maharloo Lake (Persian: دریاچه مهارلو) is a seasonal and endorheic hypersaline wetland in the highlands of Iran, 27.0 km (16.8 miles) southeast of the city of Shiraz in Fars province. It is surrounded lengthwise by up to 2,000 m high mountains. The lakeshore has an altitude of 1460 m and spans approximately 600 square kilometers, though its size can vary significantly depending on the season. The lake salt is rich in potassium and other salts.^[1]

Maharloo Lake
Maharloo Lake
Location	south of Shiraz urban
Coordinates	29°28′N 52°48′E
Type	Seasonal salt lake
Primary inflows	Dry river, Soltanabad river (seasonal)
Basin countries	Iran
Surface area	600 km2 (230 sq mi)
Max. depth	ca. 100 m (330 ft)
Surface elevation	1,500 m (4,900 ft)
Islands	none
Settlements	Shiraz

Rudkhane-ye-Khoshk, a seasonal river flowing through the city of Shiraz, brings most of the flood water to the lake bed during intensive precipitation events. The lake water typically evaporates by the end of summer and exposes the white lake bed. By mid-summer and due to high evaporation rates and salt concentrations, the lake water turns pinkish red as a result of the red tide within the lake.

European Space Agency photo of Shiraz and Maharloo Lake

See also

• Dasht-e Arzhan
• Lake Parishan