SPACEPHOTOS

Lake Van, Turkey September 1996 Lake Van, the largest lake in the country of Turkey, can be seen in this southwest-looking low-oblique view. Located in eastern Turkey, Lake Van is a saline lake with no outlet. Lake Van is fed by numerous small streams, which descend from the surrounding mountains. The lake measures 75 miles (120 km) long, 50 miles (80 km) wide and covers an area of 1450 sq. miles (3755 sq. km). The waters of Lake Van are rich in sodium carbonate and other salts which are extracted by evaporation and used as detergents. The brackish waters support only one species of fish. The smaller Ercek Lake can be seen to the left of Lake Van in the lower left quadrant of the image. Agricultural fields can be seen in the valleys of rivers that flow into Lake Van. To the right of Lake Van near the right center of the image, the extinct Suphan Volcano at 13314 feet (4061 meters) is discernible.