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Fun facts about Lake Balkhash

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STS039-085-00E Lake Balkhash, Kazakhstan April 1991
lake

The name 'Balkhash' comes from the Tatar, Kazakh, and Southern Altai word 'balkas', meaning 'tussocks in a swamp'.

Lake Balkhash
Kazakhstan
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lake

Lake Balkhash

Kazakhstan

Area
16,400 km²
Max depth
26 m
Countries
Kazakhstan
15th largest lake in the world

Lake Balkhash, also known as Lake Balqash, is a lake in southeastern Kazakhstan. It is one of the largest lakes in Asia and the 15th largest in the world. It is located in the eastern part of Central Asia and sits in the Balkhash-Alakol Basin, an endorheic (closed) basin.

From the “History and naming” section

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Photo: NASA · Public Domain

Fact 1 permalink
STS039-085-00E Lake Balkhash, Kazakhstan April 1991
lake

Lake Balkhash was once part of an ancient sea that covered the entire Balkhash-Alakol depression.

Lake Balkhash
Kazakhstan
Tap to learn more
lake

Lake Balkhash

Kazakhstan

Area
16,400 km²
Max depth
26 m
Countries
Kazakhstan
15th largest lake in the world

Lake Balkhash, also known as Lake Balqash, is a lake in southeastern Kazakhstan. It is one of the largest lakes in Asia and the 15th largest in the world. It is located in the eastern part of Central Asia and sits in the Balkhash-Alakol Basin, an endorheic (closed) basin.

From the “The origin of the lake” section

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Photo: NASA · Public Domain

Fact 2 permalink
STS039-085-00E Lake Balkhash, Kazakhstan April 1991
lake

Since 1970, the outflow of water to fill the Kapchagay Reservoir has led to a 66% fall in inflow from the Ili River.

Lake Balkhash
Kazakhstan
Tap to learn more
lake

Lake Balkhash

Kazakhstan

Area
16,400 km²
Max depth
26 m
Countries
Kazakhstan
15th largest lake in the world

Lake Balkhash, also known as Lake Balqash, is a lake in southeastern Kazakhstan. It is one of the largest lakes in Asia and the 15th largest in the world. It is located in the eastern part of Central Asia and sits in the Balkhash-Alakol Basin, an endorheic (closed) basin.

From the “Environmental and political issues” section

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Photo: NASA · Public Domain

Fact 3 permalink
STS039-085-00E Lake Balkhash, Kazakhstan April 1991
lake

In 2005, Lake Balkhash was selected as one of the top 10 tourist destinations in Kazakhstan.

Lake Balkhash
Kazakhstan
Tap to learn more
lake

Lake Balkhash

Kazakhstan

Area
16,400 km²
Max depth
26 m
Countries
Kazakhstan
15th largest lake in the world

Lake Balkhash, also known as Lake Balqash, is a lake in southeastern Kazakhstan. It is one of the largest lakes in Asia and the 15th largest in the world. It is located in the eastern part of Central Asia and sits in the Balkhash-Alakol Basin, an endorheic (closed) basin.

From the “Cities and economy” section

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Photo: NASA · Public Domain

Fact 4 permalink