Chott Melrhir

Chott Melrhir also known as Chott Melghir or Chott Melhir is an endorheic salt lake in northeastern Algeria. It is the westernmost part of a series of depressions, which extend from the Gulf of Gabès into the Sahara. They were created between Miocene and Early Pleistocene as a result of compression accompanying the formation of the Atlas Mountains. With the maximum area of about 6,700 km², it is the largest lake in Algeria. It lies almost entirely below sea level and contains the lowest point in Algeria, −40 meters. Its size varies over the year and is usually larger than 130 km from east to west. The nearby cities are Biskra, El Oued and Touggourt. ()