Turan Depression

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Map of the Caspian and Aral sea, yellow shading indicates Caspian drainage basin

The Turan Depression, Turan Lowland or Turanian Basin is a vast low-lying desert basin region stretching from southern Turkmenistan through Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan. The lowland region lies to the east of the Caspian Sea and southeast of the Aral Sea. It is one of the largest expanses of sand in the world. On average, the region receives less than 15 inches (381mm) of rainfall per year. The Kara Kum desert lies at the southern portion of the Turan Lowlands.

Three of the largest cities in the Turan Depression are: Dashkhovuz in Turkmenistan, Nukus in Uzbekistan, and Urganch, also in Uzbekistan. Vpadina Akchanaya in Turkmenistan is 267 feet (81 meters) below sea level. The Amu Darya River runs in a southeast-northwesterly direction through the lowlands.

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