endorheic basin
Sign in to saveclosed drainage basin that retains water and allows no outflow to other external bodies of water
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The endorheic basin that feeds water into Üüreg Lake, Mongolia NASA photo of the endorheic Tarim Basin, China
An endorheic basin (/ˌɛndoʊˈriː.ɪk/ EN-doh-REE-ik; also endoreic basin and endorreic basin) is a drainage basin that normally retains water and allows no outflow to other external bodies of water (such as rivers and oceans). Instead, the water drainage flows into permanent and seasonal lakes and swamps that equilibrate through evaporation. Endorheic basins are also called closed basins, terminal basins, and internal drainage systems.