Definition
Tuzdysor (Kazakh: Тұздысор; Russian: Туздысор) is an endorheic salt lake located within the Ekibastuz City Administration of Pavlodar Region, Kazakhstan.
Overview
The lake lies approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) north‑northeast of the city of Ekibastuz and forms part of the Irtysh River basin’s water‑management system. Tuzdysor is one of the principal lakes in the vicinity of Ekibastuz and supports commercial salt extraction activities.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Tuzdysor” derives from Kazakh, where tuz means “salt” and sor (or sor) denotes a salt‑rich, often shallow, lake or marsh. Thus, the term can be interpreted as “salt lake” or “salty sor,” reflecting the lake’s high salinity.
Characteristics
- Geography: The lake stretches roughly 3.6 km (2.2 mi) in length and 3 km (1.9 mi) in width, covering an area of about 10.85 km² (4.19 sq mi).
- Hydrology: As an endorheic basin, Tuzdysor has no outflow to external rivers; water loss occurs primarily through evaporation.
- Elevation: Surface elevation is approximately 107 m (351 ft) above sea level.
- Surrounding Features: Larger Lake Karasor lies 7 km to the southeast, while Lake Shandaksor and the Ekibastuz GRES‑2 power station are situated about 9 km to the southwest. Lake Shureksor is located 15 km to the northeast.
- Economic Use: The lake’s saline waters are exploited for salt extraction, a relatively recent commercial development.
Related Topics
- List of lakes of Kazakhstan
- Endorheic lakes
- Irtysh River basin
- Salt extraction industry in Central Asia
- Ekibastuz GRES‑2 power station
All information is drawn from publicly available geographic and encyclopedic sources.