Lake Yoa

Lake Yoa is a lake located in Chad, Africa. It is part of the Lakes of Ounianga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2012. More specifically, Lake Yoa is one of the 18 interconnected lakes that make up the Ounianga Kebir, the largest of the two geographically distinct groups of lakes within the site.

Known for its hyper-saline waters, Lake Yoa's high salinity is a result of evaporation exceeding precipitation and limited outflow. This has led to a unique ecosystem adapted to the harsh conditions. The lake's surface area is approximately 3.58 square kilometers, and it reaches a depth of around 20 meters.

The Ounianga lakes, including Lake Yoa, are remnants of a much larger lake that existed during the African Humid Period. As the climate shifted and the Sahara Desert expanded, the large lake gradually receded, leaving behind the interconnected network of lakes seen today. The differing chemistries and biological compositions of the Ounianga lakes, including Lake Yoa, provide valuable insights into the ecological and climatic changes that have occurred in the region over thousands of years. The presence of endemic species adds to the scientific importance of the lake and the surrounding area.