Playa
Topic: Landforms and their Evolution: Rivers, Groundwater, Glaciers, Waves and Wind · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 2 "Structure and Physiography"; Class 11, Ch 6 "Natural Hazards and Disasters: Causes, Consequences and Management"; Class 11, Ch 6 "Landforms and their Evolution"
Meaning
A playa is a flat, low basin in a dry region that has inland drainage, which means its water does not flow out to the sea. After rain, water collects in it as a shallow lake. Because the air is hot and dry, the lake dries up quickly. When the floor is covered with salt left behind by the evaporating water, it is called an alkali flat. Playas in dry lands are useful sources of salt.
Example
Sambhar Lake near Jaipur in Rajasthan is a playa. It is India's largest inland salt lake and has long been a source of salt.
Don't confuse with
- Oasis: a spot in a desert with a lasting supply of fresh groundwater, where plants grow. A playa holds water only for a short time after rain.
- Deflation hollow: a shallow dip blown out by wind. A playa is a basin where rainwater collects.
Related concepts
- Aeolian processes
- Deflation
- Wind abrasion
- Sheet flood
- Erg, reg and hamada
- Pediment
- Parallel retreat of slopes
- Pediplain
- Inselberg
- Deflation hollow