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1.6.1 Playa

A playa is the level plain near the center of an inland basin which may be the site of a present or past lake. This region is dry and characterized by salts which precipitate from ephermal lakes. These salt-covered flats are called alkali-flats. Clay and silt may also be deposited.


Images
Surface of playa lake Eastern California.
Surface of playa lake Eastern California.
Original picture from the Ward Collection
Movement of salt-bearing waters to playa  Surface of playa lake Eastern California.  Detail of playa mud cracks. 

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