Salt plains mistaken for snow spotted in Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve

Tengrinews.kz – Photos of what appeared to be snow-covered fields in the middle of summer have surfaced from the Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve, located southwest of Astana. However, the striking white landscape is actually a thick salt crust formed on dried-up lakes.

The images were shared on the reserve’s official Instagram page, showing expansive white surfaces that resemble icy terrain.

“During dry periods, the salt lakes — known locally as sors or shallow basins — dry up and leave behind a dense white salt layer. These salt plains may look like snow or ice, but they are a natural result of the arid climate and unique ecosystem,” reserve staff explained.

The salt affects soil composition, vegetation, and bird migration in the area. Although the phenomenon is visually impressive, it is a regular occurrence during hot summers and is not considered unusual.

Most of these salt lakes are shallow and non-flowing, with a maximum depth of about 50 centimeters. They are typically filled by melting snow in spring but often evaporate completely by midsummer.

Despite the abundance of salt, commercial extraction is not practiced today due to low economic viability.

The Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve lies about 150 kilometers southwest of Astana, in the Akmola region. It includes the Korgalzhyn lake system, Lake Tengiz, and vast steppe and semi-desert landscapes. The area is known for its biodiversity, hosting over 1,400 species of flora and fauna, including more than 60 endangered species listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan.