Playas occupy the flat central basins of desert plains. They require interior drainage to a zone where evaporation greatly exceeds inflow. When flooded, a playa lake forms where fine-grained sediment …

Jun 20, 2025 · There are many theories as to the origin of playas, but the most widely accepted are that playas are either carved by wind or formed by land subsidence (they are sinkholes).

Playas have an unpredictable and rapidly changing wet-dry cycle, which is essential to how they work — and provide benefits including groundwater recharge and wildlife habitat.

Playas are sources of great plant and animal biodiversity, providing critical habitat for millions of migratory birds and waterfowl, as well as providing essential habitat for amphibians, reptiles, …

Playas occur in intermountain basins throughout the arid southwestern United States. Although playas may appear as featureless plains, they are rich in features and characteristics that can reveal …

Playas are shallow, circular-shaped wetlands that are primarily filled by rainfall, although some playas found in cropland settings may also receive water from irrigation runoff.

Playa Look up playa in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Playa (plural playas) may refer to:

Jun 1, 1995 · Explore the fascinating world of playas, shallow basins in the southern Great Plains that serve as vital water sources and wildlife habitats. Learn about their formation, ecological importance, …

Jun 4, 2025 · Playas, also known as dry lakes or salt flats, are shallow depressions that form in arid regions. These unique landforms are characterized by their flat or gently sloping surfaces, often …

Playas often have commercially significant deposits of a variety of salts. They are common worldwide and are especially conspicuous in deserts of Australia, Africa (north and south), Argentina, Chile, and …