Desert lakes flow like waves

Ounianga Lakes flow like desert waves.

Lakes of Ounianga are in Chad's hyperarid Sahara Desert.

Ounianga has eighteen lakes in two groups, 40 kilometers apart.

Ounianga Kebir group has four lakes including the largest, Yoan.

Lake Yoan covers 358 hectares and is 27 meters deep.

Yoan’s waters are highly saline, sustaining algae only.

Ounianga Serir group holds fourteen lakes separated by sand dunes.

Floating reeds cover nearly half the lakes, reducing evaporation.

Lake Teli is the largest lake, 436 hectares, less than 10 meters deep.

Freshwater lakes here host aquatic life including various fish.

Lakes rely on groundwater which balances steady evaporation losses.

The site covers 62,808 hectares with a 4,869 hectare buffer zone.

Lakes formed in a basin once occupied by a larger ancient lake.

Floating reeds cover almost half of some lakes, reducing evaporation.