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 (also known as Lake Asale)
Lake Karum at sunset
Lake Karum (also known as Lake Asale)
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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