Ashchykol

Ashchykol (Kazakh: Ащыкөл) is a salt lake group in the Kyzylorda and Turkistan regions, Kazakhstan.[1]

For the lake in the Talas basin, see Ashchykol, Jambyl Region.
Ashchykol
Ащыкөл
Sentinel-2 image of the northern sector of the lake in April
Ashchykol is located in Kazakhstan
Ashchykol
Ashchykol
LocationAshchykol Depression
Coordinates45°08′N 67°16′E
TypeEndorheic lake
Primary inflowsBoktykaryn
Primary outflowsnone
Basin countriesKazakhstan
Max. lengthca 20 kilometers (12 mi)
Max. widthca 10 kilometers (6.2 mi)
Surface area74 square kilometers (29 sq mi)
Surface elevation110 meters (360 ft)
IslandsYes

Ashchykol is one of the main lakes of the Ashchykol Depression. It is dry most of the year and the plains around the lake are used as a seasonal grazing ground.[2][3]

Geography

Ashchykol is located in an arid region dominated by the sor type salt flats of the lower Sarysu basin. It has very indented shores, forming a cluster of small lakes after the flood season that follows the melting of the snows, right before it goes completely dry. The Boktykaryn river has its mouth at the northern end, but its waters rarely reach Ashchykol. In years of sufficient rain the Chu river flows from the east into lake Akzhaykyn, located to the ESE. Both lake groups are part of the Important Bird Area "Lakes in the lower reaches of the Chu River".[4][2]

The shores of Ashchykol are flat and sandy. The border between the Shieli District of Kyzylorda Region and Sozak District of Turkistan Region runs across the northern and eastern ends of the lake. There are no settlements near the lake.[3][2]

Sentinel-2 image of the wider lake group in May 2017.

Climate

Ashchykol lies in a region of strong winds. Dust storms are common in the area of the lake. The climate is harsh, with temperatures ranging between −35 °C (−31 °F) in the winter and 40 °C (104 °F) in the summer.[5]

See also

References
  1. "L-42 Topographic Chart (in Russian)". Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  2. Kazakhstan National Encyclopedia / General editor A. Nysanbayev - Almaty, 1998 ISBN 5-89800-123-9
  3. Google Earth
  4. IBA - Lakes in the lower reaches of the Chu River
  5. Cameco Corporation - Annual Information Form
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