Lake Karum

Lake Karum (also known as Lake Assale or Asale) is a salt lake in the Afar Region of Ethiopia. One of two salt lakes in the northern end of the Danakil Depression (the other one being Lake Afrera), it lies at −120 m (−394 ft) relative to sea level.[1] The volcano Erta Ale rises southwest of this lake.

Not to be confused with Lake Assal (Djibouti).
Lake Karum
Lake Asale
Lake Karum at sunset
Lake Karum
LocationAfar Region
Coordinates14°1′N 40°25′E
Typesalt lake
Basin countriesEthiopia
Surface elevation−120 m (−394 ft)

Werner Munzinger, who travelled through the Afar Depression in 1867, recorded that this lake was fed by four streams: the Didic, the Ala, the Rira Guddy, and the Ragali or Awra, which is the only permanent stream flowing into Lake Karum.[2]

North of Lake Karum is the former mining settlement of Dallol. The lake is extremely salty and is surrounded by a salt pan, which is still mined. The salt is transported by caravan to the rest of the country.

  • Salt flat at Lake Karum
  • Water of Lake Karum, visible through a hole in the salt flat
  • Salt workers at work
  • Processed salt
  • Salt transport by a camel train

See also

References
  1. Scheffel, Richard L.; Wernet, Susan J., eds. (1980). Natural Wonders of the World. United States of America: Reader's Digest Association, Inc. p. 114. ISBN 0-89577-087-3.
  2. Munzinger, "Narrative of a Journey Through the Afar Country," Journal of the Royal Geographical Society, 39 (1869), p. 204


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