Lake Eyre
Lake Eyre (/ɛər/ AIR), officially known as Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, is an endorheic lake in the east-central part of the Far North region of South Australia, some 700 km (435 mi) north of Adelaide. The shallow lake is the depocentre of the vast endorheic Lake Eyre basin, and contains the lowest natural point in Australia, at approximately 15 m (49 ft) below sea level. On the rare occasions that it fills completely, it is the largest lake in Australia, covering an area of up to 9,500 km2 (3,668 sq mi). When the lake is full, it has the same salinity as seawater, but becomes hypersaline as the lake dries up and the water evaporates.
| Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre | |
|---|---|
Composite Landsat 7 satellite image in 1999 using shortwave infrared, near-infrared, and blue wavelengths | |
Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre | |
Map of the Lake Eyre basin | |
| Location | Far North, South Australia |
| Coordinates | 28°40′S 137°20′E |
| Lake type | Ancient lake, Endorheic |
| Primary inflows | Warburton River |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Surface area | 9,500 km2 (3,668 sq mi) (max) |
| Average depth | 1.5 m (5 ft) (every 3 years), 4 m (13 ft) (every decade) |
| Surface elevation | −9 m (−30 ft) (shoreline when full); −15 m (−49 ft) (lowest point when empty) |
The lake was named in honour of Edward John Eyre, the first European to see it in 1840. It was officially renamed in December 2012 to include its Aboriginal name, Kati Thanda, in accordance with a policy of dual naming. The native title over the lake and surrounding region is held by the Arabana people.