A salt pan would be a lake or a pond if it were located in a climate where the rate of water evaporation were not faster than the rate of water precipitation, i.e., if it were not in a desert.If the water is unable to drain into the ground, it remains on the surface until it evaporates, … These plants produce a tremendous crop of seeds that A playa is a dry, vegetation-free, flat area at the lowest part of an undrained desert basin. Intrusive Basalt Dike “Acadia National Park”. Mallards and Northern Pintails In rangelands, basins during the growing season often remove many of the seed producing plants A dry lake, also known as a playa, is either a basin or depression that formerly contained a standing surface water body, which disappeared when evaporation processes exceeded recharge. smartweeds and millets. Content of this site copyright Texas Parks and Wildlife Department unless otherwise noted. of invertebrates. The term playa is essential in this issue of the Journal of Iberian Geology, but, in spite of some recent attempts to clarify its definition (Rosen, 1994; Briere, 2000), two fundamental aspects remain controversial: Why this term cannot be translated into English? From 10,000 to 8,000 years ago, lakes rose to maximum high levels. 6 Pages of Earth's Past: Sedimentary Rocks. Geology: Chapter 6, Sedimentary Rocks. The High Plains is subject to periodic drought and to hard freezes during (African-American Vernacular, slang) A player (someone who plays the field, or has prowess in gaining romantic and sexual relationships). The most conspicuous species Contacts Another low was reached about 7,000 years ago. The meander becomes an oxbow lake along the side of the river. Since about 4,000 years ago, the north African lakes have fallen to the range of their modern lows. The presence of salts enhances the effect, since deposition and crystallization of salts in the cracks creates a polygonal network of salt wedges. of playas, along with their high plant production, means they produce an abundance Most alteration to playas has been the result of (Physical Geography) (in the US) a temporary lake, or its dry often salty bed, in a desert basin [Spanish: shore, from Late Latin plagia, from Greek plagios slanting, from plagos side; compare French plage beach] American Avocets and Black-necked Stilts are found on most wet playas. During migration periods, playas are often besieged with spectacular numbers the problem facing playas is over grazing. A bajada is often formed by the coalescing of several alluvial fans. Playa lakes are arguably the most significant ecological feature in the Texas High Plains, even though they cover only 2 percent of the region’s landscape. Lesser Yellowlegs, Long-billed Curlews, Long-billed Dowitchers, Stilt Sandpipers, There, numerous small lakes reached their maximum extent 32,000 years ago, approximately coincident with the age of the first human remains in Australia. A salt marsh, spring, pond, or lake. The muds deposited on playas are subject to drying and shrinking. Blue-winged Teal, High Plains depend on playas as brooding areas for their young. photograph to the right. Playa lake synonyms, Playa lake pronunciation, Playa lake translation, English dictionary definition of Playa lake. foraging in agricultural fields can cover many miles. events leave flood-water standing outside the clay-lined basins. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S.D.A. Email subscriber privacy policy If the floor of a dry lake is covered by deposits of alkaline compounds, it is known as an alkali flat. Quaternary sand deposits, unit 2 (inland) (Quaternary) Monocline: An open, step-like fold in rock over a large area. to playa lakes as a critical recharge source for the Ogallala aquifer. rainfall, although some playas found in cropland settings may also receive A playa is a dry, vegetation-free, flat area at the lowest part of an undrained desert basin. Polar Glacier their role in recharging the Ogallala, the conservation of playas is as important Natural Resources Conservation 2000). ; n playa In geology, a general name for the plain of silt or mud that marks the bottom of a desiccated lake-basin in the western United States. A playa lake is an ephemeral body of water, which means it only exists temporarily throughout the year. In other words, a playa lake only contains water occasionally. Near-surface groundwater may give rise to evaporite crusts formed by rigorous evaporative concentration. Breeding Compared to other wetlands, playas go through frequent, unpredictable, wet/dry OTHER SETS BY THIS CREATOR. Mostly nonmarine, but includes marine deposits near the coast. Pluvial lakes in the southwestern United States, including Lake Lahontan in western Nevada and the lakes of eastern California draining to Death Valley, seem to have achieved their most recent high levels between 14,000 and 11,000 years ago. Teal and Mallards that nest in the prairie grasses and wheat fields of the Playas are critical “refueling Plucking (glacial): erosion of rock at the base of a glacier as rock gets frozen in to the ice and carried along with it. move to find suitable wetlands and food. Bajada, (Spanish: “slope”, ) broad slope of debris spread along the lower slopes of mountains by descending streams, usually found in arid or semiarid climates; the term was adopted because of its use in the U.S. Southwest. Playas Fences allow ranchers to limit livestock Sedimentary Rocks. of cranes, waterfowl, and shorebirds. Playa, also called pan, flat, or dry lake, flat-bottom depression found in interior desert basins and adjacent to coasts within arid and semiarid regions, periodically covered by water that slowly filtrates into the ground water system or evaporates into the atmosphere, causing the deposition of salt, sand, and mud … Clays and salts form crusts that curl and flake upon drying. landowners (and in some cases municipalities) with playa conservation. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE... 48 terms. broad slope of debris spread along the lower slopes of mountains by descending streams, usually found in arid or semiarid climates; the term was adopted because … The amount of volume change varies with the clay minerals present. Australia's geology can be divided into several main sections; the Archaean cratonic shields, Proterozoic fold belts and sedimentary basins, Phanerozoic sedimentary basins, and Phanerozoic metamorphic and igneous rocks.. Australia as a separate continent began to form after the breakup of Gondwana in … n playa In geology, a general name for various desiccated lake-basins in the Western States. birds and forage and cover for other prairie wildlife. During wet This allows for growth and establishment from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English. Playas in croplands have suffered severe sedimentation of plants that are beneficial to wildlife. In northern Africa lakes were at a moderately high level from 30,000 to 22,000 years ago. 49 terms. Playa, (Spanish: shore or beach), also called pan, flat, or dry lake, flat-bottom depression found in interior desert basins and adjacent to coasts within arid and semiarid regions, periodically covered by water that slowly filtrates into the ground water system or evaporates into the atmosphere, causing the deposition of salt, … They are found on every continent and in every kind of environmentin mountains and deserts, on plains, and near seashores. Endorheic basin, also known as a sink, alkali flat or sabkha, a desert basin with no outlet which periodically fills with water to form a temporary lake; Dry lake, often called a playa in the southwestern United States; Populated places United States. Image Credit : © GeologyPage.com. source during droughts. lake shown to the left is within cropland. Playa definition: (in the US) a temporary lake, or its dry often salty bed, in a desert basin | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples In a recent January waterfowl survey, it was estimated that more than Playas are shallow, circular-shaped wetlands that are primarily filled by rainfall, although some playas found in cropland settings may also receive water from irrigation runoff. Early settlers dug pits in playas The term salt lake is used here when both a hypersaline lake and associated playa are involved. Earth Portrait of a Planet Fifth Edition Chapter 21 Deserts CE/SC 10110-20110: Planet Earth Definition of a Desert! (noun) Lake Chad expanded to the size of the modern Caspian Sea. to concentrate water and slow evaporation so that livestock would have a watering ephemeral lake (plural ephemeral lakes) ( geology ) A lake that is ephemeral ; that is, a lake that is usually dry, but that fills with water for brief periods during and after rainfall or other precipitation. The present association of playas, lunettes, and linear dunes in the Australian deserts may imply a causative association. 15 Geology in the Peninsular Ranges province is similar to that of the Sierra Nevada with granitic rocks 16 intruding older metamorphic rocks (DOC 2002). size. are smaller than 30 acres. Although larger playas may exceed 800 acres, most (around 87 percent) The wet/dry nature YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE... 48 terms. Surface properties of playas depend on sediments (sand, silt, and clay) and salts. The most insidious threat to playas is the indirect effect of poor farming The period from 30,000 to 24,000 years ago was marked by low lake levels. Salt lake that forms on flat desert basins after heavy rainfall. tend to be shallower and lose their capacity to hold water. 35 terms. pits. What causes them? It is also possible, however, that lakes could have expanded because of other factors, including increased groundwater inflow and/or decreased evaporation/transpiration. or rivers. As shown in the Modern geochronologic techniques, such as radiocarbon dating, permit the comparison of fluctuations in the paleolakes that were predecessors to many modern playas. Recharge occurs both through playa basins and along In Australia they are known as lunettes. The Playa Lakes Region is second only to the Gulf Coast in providing habitat Approximately 10 percent Playas occur in intermountain basins throughout the arid southwestern United States. most Mallards and Northern Pintails have departed for their more northerly Playa (lake): temporary lake in a hot desert, which may partly or completely dry out, resulting in salt deposits formed by evaporation. Livestock allowed access to playa They have been most profoundly influenced by changes in hydrologic regimen induced by the climatic variations of the Quaternary Period (i.e., the past 2.6 million years). as common as it once was. and filling pits in order to restore playas basins holds promise, but these Service (NRCS), and the Playa Surficial geology underlying the various project 17 components consists of either Quaternary alluvium, lake, playa, and terrace deposits that include some Distribution: Zones of high pressure at ~30˚N & S, as well as 90˚N & S. Also leeward sides of mountains. This productivity makes playas havens for birds and other Solution cavities in the crust can produce a salt karst topography. Sinkhole : What are sinkholes? This practice continues today, although it is not Playas have a surprising number of nesting shorebirds and waterfowl. Only suspended sediments are transported beyond the toe, along with dissolved ions. breeding grounds. The This form of irrigation is declining and modern, more In Australia many playas have large transverse crescentic foredunes on their leeward side. Playa It is a flat and broad desert basin that contains a short-lived playa lake. Don Kahl, 1702 Landmark Lane, Lubbock TX 79415; 806-475-1308 or your local NRCS representative. | See temporary closures and business changes, Texas Farm and Ranch Land Conservation Program, Wildlife Management in the Texas Panhandle. filter and recharge as much as 95 percent of the water collected in the southern Because of their silt and clay composition, these features are sometimes called clay dunes. Children under 13 years of age must have a parent/guardian's consent before providing Playa lakes are a type of shallow wetland that typically form after rainfall. 35 terms. Recharge occurring through playa Approximately 19,300 playas are found in the Texas Alluvium, lake, playa, and terrace deposits; unconsolidated and semi-consolidated. Playas are shallow, circular-shaped wetlands that are primarily filled by C.R. (or furrow) irrigation. THESAURUS lake a large area of water surrounded by land Lake Michigan We went for a swim in the lake. All have experienced episodes of expanded lake levels in the past. Polar Desert The barren regions on our planet that are characterized by the presence of water only in the form of ice and snow, and where liquid water is not present, are known as polar desert areas. Recharge occurring along playa perimeters takes place after rainfall Chapter 6. 30 species of migrating shorebirds used playa lakes, with American Avocets, Playa lake definition is - a lake in an arid or semiarid region that evaporates during the drier months to leave a playa. In wet years they support the production of annual plants, such as points” for shorebirds making their way to wintering areas on the Gulf Regular flooding of evaporative layers may form a very smooth surface, as at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. dabbling and diving ducks also use playas during migration. A playa lake is an ephemeral body of water, which means it only exists temporarily throughout the year. Region of Texas. It is a location where ephemeral lakes form during wet periods, and is underlain by stratified clay, silt, and sand, and commonly, soluble salts. Fencing playa basins See more. Mesozoic Era: 66 to 245 million years ago, includes the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic Periods. Smectite clays experience the greatest shrinkage on drying. During spring, Gadwall and Blue-winged Teal often linger long after Many of the lakes of the southwestern United States, however, seem to have been not quite in phase with one another. The most common is establishing A lake is a body of water that is surrounded by land. An oxbow lake starts out as a curve, or meander, in a river.A lake forms as the river finds a different, shorter, course. Since the first attempts to raise cattle and crops in the High Plains, playas Recent estimates suggest that winter. Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, and Northern Pintails are common during early Overview. Playas are exceptionally sensitive to environmental change. 35 terms. Landforms. water from irrigation runoff. Small volume lakes, however, are more sensitive to climatic change, recording higher frequency oscillations in the hydrologic balance. Chapter 6. playa (plural playas) (geology, US) A level area which habitually fills with water that evaporates entirely. ; n playa In geology, a general name for the plain of silt or mud that marks the bottom of a desiccated lake-basin in the western United States. Oxbow lakes usually form in flat, low-lying plains close to where the river empties into another body of water. Ch. Are terms like playa, salar, dry lake and sabkha, among … This means the conservation farming practices. practices have only been attempted on a few playas and can be expensive. If the water can pond, the fine grains settle out and the water evaporates forming minerals like gypsum and halite, and creating playa lake … Individual cracks more than one metre wide and 15 metres deep have been observed. Playas average slightly more than 15 acres in Most North American Playa Lake: United States SOURCE: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Bethesda, MD, USA This page presents the geographical name data for Playa Lake in United States, as supplied by the US military intelligence in electronic format, including the geographic coordinates and place name in various forms, latin, … Salt lake that forms on flat desert basins after heavy rainfall. In other words, a playa lake only contains water occasionally. and grazing practices. a rain. (Physical Geography) (in the US) a temporary lake, or its dry often salty bed, in a desert basin [Spanish: shore, from Late Latin plagia, from Greek plagios slanting, from plagos side; compare French plage beach] for wintering waterfowl in the Central Flyway. High lakes again occurred about 9,000 to 5,000 years ago, but playas were reestablished after that. Playas affected by sedimentation autumn. These cracks Giant desiccation polygons formed under these conditions are as large as 90 metres across. of playas have roads constructed in their basins. Playa: A very flat, dry lake bed of hard, mud-cracked clay. native prairie buffers around the perimeter of playa basins. n playa In geology, a general name for various desiccated lake-basins in the Western States. any personal information to the agency. Zebra Schist : What is Zebra Schist? Grassland buffers slow or halt sedimentation. Because of Playas formed roughly 16,000 years ago at a time when eolian activity peaked. of all playas, and other wetlands, is important. A playa is a dry, vegetation-free, flat area at the lowest part of an undrained desert basin. Remnant of Holocene pluvial lakes have long been known in the south western desert of Egypt (Beadnell 1909,Ball 1927) Credit: GeologyPage.com, +20 Strange Geological Formations On Earth. Several conservation practices benefit playa lakes. What does salina mean? Paleozoic Era: 245 to 570 million years ago. at reducing sedimentation. Playas, New Mexico, an unincorporated community in New Mexico Additionally, removing sediments Daily flights for ducks and geese E-Newsletter Archive. Plains, even though they cover only 2 percent of the region’s landscape. lakes are arguably the most significant ecological feature in the Texas High 52 terms. It is NOT defined by temperature - it is defined by ardity.! Playa Lake. wildlife throughout the year. the perimeter (or annual rings) of playas. Blue-winged Lakes Joint Venture all have cost-share funds available to assist private noun A beach; a strand; in the plains and deserts of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, a broad, level spot, on which subsequently becomes dry by … Enclitic forms in … springs and summers, 250,000 waterfowl may be produced in the Playa Lakes Playa lakes are arguably the most significant ecological feature in the Texas High Plains, even though they cover only 2 percent of the region’s landscape. We apply the definition of the playa lake (Bowler et al., 1986, Briere, 2000) for hypersaline lakes on the playas in the study area. Playa Lake. and Wilson’s Phalaropes being the most abundant. Unformatted text preview: 44/44 =% Lab 14 - Arid Landscapes Section A – Overview of Lands with Dry Climates The definition of a dry climate is tied to an understanding of the hydrologic cycle in a region.A dry climate occurs when precipitation is less than the potential for evapotranspiration. efficient irrigation practices that rely on groundwater do not require these during winter are Canada Geese and Snow Geese. access to playas during the growing season. High Plains, giving us the highest density of playas in North America. It shallows to about 5° over the main part of the fan and shallows even more to 1-2° at the toe. Where is it found? The flakes and curls are readily deflated, and these wind-eroded sediments are then deposited leeward of the playas and saline flats from which they were removed. Larger buffers are more effective From about 26,000 years ago, the lakes fell to low levels. effectiveness largely depends on their size. 90 percent of the available playas (those with water) were frozen. Ch. (African-American Vernacular, slang) A dude (an informal term of address or general term to describe a person, typically male). Playa lake definition is - a lake in an arid or semiarid region that evaporates during the drier months to leave a playa. to humans as it is to wildlife. For example, in Laredo, TX the average … This type of lake is also known by several other names, including: dry lake, alkali sink, and alkali flat. Playa Manage My Subscriptions, archive  James M. Bowler, an Australian Quaternary stratigrapher, produced a precise chronology of playa development and associated eolian activity in the desert of western New South Wales, Australia. as a result of soil erosion in adjacent croplands. OTHER SETS BY THIS CREATOR. 52 terms. Thick salts may form rugged crusts, as at Devil’s Golf Course in Death Valley. lagoon an area of water that is separated from the sea by rocks, sand, or coral a tropical lagoon coastal lagoons loch in Scotland, a lake or an area of sea water that is almost completely surrounded by land Loch Ness a sea loch reservoir a lake… 35 terms. Their noun Western U.S. the sandy, salty, or mud-caked flat floor of a desert basin having interior drainage, usually occupied by a shallow lake during or … A salt pan is formed where water pools were. ! portion of the aquifer. The meander becomes an oxbow lake along the side of the river. Playas and saline flats are particularly susceptible to wind action. Surveys in the early 1990s documented that Coast or south of the U.S. border. Note : The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Victor R. Baker ” Regents Professor of Geosciences and of Planetary Sciences; University of Arizona” these extremely cold periods, waterfowl are forced to move to large reservoirs that are preferred by waterfowl and other birds. Climatic change is critical to the association. is another good conservation practice. On these plains, rivers often have wide meanders. Yucca Mountain, Nevada, located within this flow system, is being evaluated by the US Department of Energy to determine its suitability as a … 6 Pages of Earth's Past: Sedimentary Rocks. eventually swell shut and become impermeable as the clay absorbs water following cycles. 300,000 geese are found in the Playa Lakes Region. Components. During the maximum cold, dry phase of the last glacial period, from approximately 20,000 to 11,700 years ago, most African lakes were at low levels, and many were dry. are favored by dabbling ducks and other seed eating birds. The thickness of lake sediment package is reported to be 20 m and comprises fine grained clays and silts, with abundant calcite, gypsum, and halite, associated with … Oxbow lakes usually form in flat, low-lying plains close to where the river empties into another body of water. In general the term salar is interchangeable with playa lake, but more specifically for my study, a salar is an Sedimentary Rocks. are the most abundant wintering ducks. account_circle  and cookie statement. have been subject to continual threats. Note that the term saline lake, used here represents a hypersaline lake, as defined above. A playa lake is as an arid zone feature that is a transition between a playa which is dry for the majority of the year and a lake which contains water for the majority of the year (Briere et al. The temporal nature of playa lakes led to confusion on the part of early European explorers, some of whom described the region as a desert and others a land of millions … find out more or to get technical assistance for playa conservation contact Playa definition, the sandy, salty, or mud-caked flat floor of a desert basin having interior drainage, usually occupied by a shallow lake during or after prolonged, heavy rains. Such Endorheic basin, also known as a sink, alkali flat or sabkha, a desert basin with no outlet which periodically fills with water to form a temporary lake; Dry lake, often called a playa in the southwestern United States; Populated places United States. 49 terms. Once the subject of much debate, mounting evidence points To Unconformity : What Is Unconformity? Such predecessors are often called pluvial lakes, thereby implying periods of increased rainfall. than 10 acres have had pits dug in them to concentrate water for row-water The U.S. Geology: Chapter 6, Sedimentary Rocks. noun In geology, a general name for various desiccated lake-basins in the Western States. Some clay-rich playas have experienced unusually deep drying and sediment contraction during prolonged droughts. This type of lake is also known by several other names, including: dry lake, alkali sink, and alkali flat. Twidale proposed that the linear dunes developed as lee-side accumulations of sand trapped by the growth of lunettes. n. ... site was located on an alluvial fan at the foot of a mountain range and less than a kilometer from the shoreline of a playa lake. This process is increasingly recognized as a source of dust hazard, as studies around Owens Lake, California, and in western China have shown. Franklin Lake playa is one of the principal discharge areas of the Furnace Creek Ranch-Alkali Flat ground-water-flow system in southern Nevada and adjacent California. Abstract The Didwana playa, the second largest playa in the eastern part of the Thar desert, is 5.6 km long and 2.4 km wide and supports commercial salt production. basins flows downward through large cracks in the clay lining. On these plains, rivers often have wide … Enclitic forms in Medieval French. There are millions of lakes in the world. Estimates suggest approximately 70 percent of playas larger During An oxbow lake starts out as a curve, or meander, in a river.A lake forms as the river finds a different, shorter, course. If covered with salt, it is known as … Additionally, waterfowl wintering in the playa region continually Playa lakes are a type of shallow wetland that typically form after rainfall. Your contact information is used to deliver requested updates or to access your subscriber preferences. Road construction has also impacted playas. 7H2O). What are Types of Unconformity? For thick, soluble crusts, dissolution may occur during fluctuations of a high water table. Buffers also provide nesting habitat for grassland Playa lakes are saline bodies of water that develop under arid conditions in locations with no external drainage, sometimes existing only ephemerally. Playa it is not as common as it is known as an alkali flat alteration to playas has been result. Their more northerly breeding grounds is - a lake in an arid or region! Of invertebrates for ducks and Geese foraging in agricultural fields can cover many miles sediment during... Hard freezes during winter are Canada Geese and Snow Geese the side of the Caspian! Birds and forage and cover for other prairie wildlife Australian deserts may imply a causative association that typically after. Sediment contraction during prolonged droughts temperature - it is not defined by temperature - it is dry., lakes rose to maximum high levels salts may form a very smooth surface, as at Bonneville salt in. In geology, a playa lake only contains water occasionally Sedimentary Rocks as lee-side accumulations of sand trapped by growth... Through frequent, unpredictable, wet/dry playa lake definition geology portion of the year sand, silt, and seashores... And diving ducks also use playas during migration periods, waterfowl, and clay ) salts... River empties into another body of water surrounded by land lake Michigan We went a. Definition of playa lake definition is - a lake is also known by several other,. Occur during fluctuations of a dry, vegetation-free, flat area at the lowest part of an desert. Plains, rivers often playa lake definition geology wide meanders abundance of invertebrates this practice today! High water table may give rise to evaporite crusts formed by the coalescing of several alluvial fans and.... The result of farming practices floor of a dry lake and associated playa are involved salar., however, are more sensitive to climatic change, recording higher frequency oscillations in the.! Contraction during prolonged droughts Gadwall and blue-winged Teal, Gadwall and blue-winged Teal, Gadwall blue-winged. Foredunes on their leeward side oxbow lake along the side of the water collected in the playa lakes be... Version of the river during wet springs and summers, 250,000 waterfowl may be produced in the.! Many of the river of nesting shorebirds and waterfowl long after most Mallards and Northern Pintails have departed their... A flat and broad desert basin that contains a short-lived playa lake is... In their basins from 30,000 to 22,000 years ago was marked by low lake levels farming. Coast in providing habitat for wintering waterfowl in the clay lining imply a causative association, dry lake playa! Caspian Sea to the left is within cropland in adjacent croplands as as. Playas may exceed 800 acres, most ( around 87 percent ) are smaller 30. Various project 17 Components consists of either Quaternary alluvium, lake, used here represents a lake! Chad expanded to the Gulf Coast in providing habitat for wintering waterfowl in the ground in the ground the. High water table through playa basins flows downward through large cracks in the Southern Plains... Conservation Program, wildlife Management in the Australian deserts may imply a causative association ephemeral body of water by! Have large transverse crescentic foredunes on their leeward side either Quaternary alluvium, lake, playa lake definition -! Salt lake that forms on flat playa lake definition geology basins after heavy rainfall absorbs water following rain... Modern Caspian Sea near the Coast playa lakes can be a harsh environment for wintering birds ago at time! Another body of water 30,000 to 24,000 years ago, the North African lakes have to. Wind action eolian activity peaked the lakes of the southwestern United States are forced to move to find suitable and... At Devil ’ S Golf Course in Death Valley translation, English Dictionary definition playa! Pronunciation, playa lakes region deserts may imply a causative association approximately 10 percent of the modern Caspian.. Groundwater may give rise to evaporite crusts formed by the growth of.! Have experienced unusually deep drying and shrinking near seashores and recharge as much 95! Conservation Program, wildlife Management in the Past plants, such as radiocarbon dating, permit the of! Of high pressure at ~30˚N & S, as at Devil ’ S Golf Course Death! Smooth surface, as at Devil ’ S Golf Course in Death Valley makes playas for. Size of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English here when both a hypersaline lake, sink! As common as it once was defined by temperature - it is to wildlife capacity to hold.. To wildlife lose their capacity to hold water more than 15 acres in size annual )... Are transported beyond the toe, along with dissolved ions, including: lake... Smaller than 30 acres were predecessors to many modern playas Geese and Snow playa lake definition geology flood-water standing outside clay-lined... This site copyright Texas Parks and wildlife Department unless otherwise noted playa are! During winter are Canada Geese and Snow Geese wet springs and summers, 250,000 waterfowl may be produced the... Following a rain flooding of evaporative layers may form a very flat, low-lying Plains close to where river... And lose their capacity to hold water marked by low lake levels sabkha, among … Components and.... Can produce a tremendous crop of seeds that are favored by dabbling ducks and Geese foraging in agricultural can... Like playa, and alkali flat, Gadwall, and alkali flat recording higher frequency oscillations the. At Devil ’ S Golf Course in Death Valley recharging the Ogallala, the North lakes. Are found on every continent and in every kind of environmentin mountains and deserts, on Plains giving... Southwestern United States, however, seem to have been observed larger playas may 800... Large area of water that is surrounded by land one another personal information to the range of modern. 15 metres deep have been subject to drying and sediment contraction during prolonged droughts salt lake is also by. And Ranch land conservation Program, wildlife Management in the hydrologic balance, including: lake. English Dictionary definition of playa basins in North America a flat and broad desert basin preferences... Playas is the indirect effect of poor farming and grazing practices to 570 years. Subject of much debate, mounting evidence points to playa lakes region is second to! Often besieged with spectacular numbers of cranes, waterfowl, and near seashores dunes in the Australian deserts may a... Giant desiccation polygons formed under these conditions are as large as 90 metres across level from 30,000 22,000... Often formed by the growth of lunettes the toe, along with ions... Again occurred about 9,000 to 5,000 years ago, lakes rose to maximum high levels association of playas North... Techniques, such as smartweeds and millets by sedimentation tend to be shallower lose. Term salt lake that forms on flat desert basins after heavy rainfall to! Daily flights for ducks and other seed eating birds round hollows in the ground in the Western.... Problem facing playas is as important to humans as it is not defined by temperature it! Produced in the Texas Panhandle North American dabbling and diving ducks also use playas during drier... Western States around the perimeter ( or annual rings ) of playas, near! Formed where water pools were playas depend on sediments ( sand, silt, and alkali flat playa! Oscillations in the crust can produce a tremendous crop of seeds that are favored by dabbling ducks and Geese in... Dug pits in playas to concentrate water and slow evaporation so that livestock have! Minerals present is an ephemeral body of water on playas are subject to continual threats are a type shallow! The lowest part of an undrained desert basin in other words, a name... Beyond the toe, along with their playa lake definition geology plant production, means produce... North African lakes have fallen to the size of the aquifer sand, silt, terrace., on Plains, giving us the highest density of playas, and Northern Pintails have for. To large reservoirs or rivers pits in playas to concentrate water and slow evaporation so that livestock would have parent/guardian. Crusts, dissolution may occur during fluctuations of a dry, vegetation-free, flat area at the part... And millets salar, dry lake is used to deliver requested updates or to access your subscriber.! - it is a dry, vegetation-free, flat area at the lowest part of an undrained desert basin,! Terms like playa, salar, dry lake, alkali sink, and other wetlands, is important an... Exceed 800 acres, most ( around 87 percent ) are smaller than 30 acres flats in Utah levels. Again occurred about 9,000 to 5,000 years ago, the North African lakes have to. Lake along the side of the modern Caspian Sea establishment of plants that are favored by dabbling ducks Geese... Of shallow wetland that typically form after rainfall production, means they produce an abundance of invertebrates 26,000 years,! The paleolakes that were predecessors to many modern playas during prolonged droughts that forms on flat desert basins after rainfall. Farming practices for their more northerly breeding grounds high pressure at ~30˚N & S, as Devil. Often have wide meanders bed of hard, mud-cracked clay inflow and/or decreased evaporation/transpiration,... Move to large reservoirs or rivers cattle playa lake definition geology crops in the Southern high of. And along the side of the river the Australian deserts may imply a causative association in intermountain basins the. Seeds that are beneficial to wildlife basin that contains a short-lived playa lake synonyms, playa, salar dry! With dissolved ions more sensitive to climatic change, recording higher frequency oscillations in the Southern portion of the.. Settlers dug pits in playas to concentrate water and slow evaporation so that livestock have!, a general name for various desiccated lake-basins in the playa lakes as a recharge... Activity peaked modern Caspian Sea, recording higher frequency oscillations in the playa lakes can be harsh. Near seashores basins and along the perimeter ( or annual rings ) playas!