Bicycle Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bicycle Lake |
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A Douglas RB-23 plane from the United States Air Force at Bicycle Lake.
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 Bicycle Lake
Location in California
Bicycle Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Fort Irwin Military Reservation, Mojave Desert San Bernardino County, California |
| Coordinates | 35°16′48″N 116°37′42″W / 35.28000°N 116.62833°W |
| Lake type | Endorheic basin |
| Primary outflows | Terminal |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 4 km (2.5 mi) |
| Max. width | 3 km (1.9 mi) |
| Shore length1 | 12 km (7.5 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 711 m (2,333 ft) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Bicycle Lake is a special kind of lake called a dry lake. It is located in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California. This dry lake is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) northeast of Barstow.
A dry lake is a lakebed that is usually dry. It only fills with water after heavy rains. Bicycle Lake is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long and 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) wide at its widest point.
What is a Dry Lake?
A dry lake, also known as a playa, is a basin or depression that once held a lake. These lakes are often found in desert areas. They usually have no outlet for water. When it rains, water flows into the basin, but it can only leave by evaporating into the air. Because of this, the water often leaves behind minerals and salts, making the lakebed very flat and sometimes white.
Why is Bicycle Lake Important?
Bicycle Lake is located on land owned by the United States government. It is part of the Fort Irwin Military Reservation. This area is used by the United States Army for training exercises.
Bicycle Lake Army Airfield
Because the lakebed is so flat and wide, it is perfect for airplanes to land and take off. That's why the Bicycle Lake Army Airfield is located here. This airfield is used by the military for various training activities. It helps pilots practice landings and other important skills in a safe, open area.
