Chott Melrhir

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Chott Melrhir
Chott Melrhir - View from space. Note that most of the lake is already dried up in this picture.
View from space. Note that most of the lake is already dried up in this picture.
Coordinates 34.3° N 6.3° ECoordinates: 34.3° N 6.3° E
Lake type endorheic salt lake
Basin countries Algeria
Surface area 6800 km²

Chott Melrhir (Arabic: شط ملرحير) is a large endorheic salt lake in northeastern Algeria, located at 34.3° N 6.3° E.

Chott Melrhir has an area of about 6700 km² and is the largest lake in Algeria. It also lies almost entirely below the sea level, the lowest point of Algeria is located here. It regularly dries up thus becomes a salt pan.

Towns of Biskra, El Oued and Touggourt lies nearby.

Chott Melrhir is designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance.

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