Goldstone Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goldstone Lake |
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 Goldstone Lake
Location in California
Goldstone Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Mojave Desert San Bernardino County, California |
| Coordinates | 35°21′51″N 116°53′47″W / 35.3641°N 116.8965°W |
| Lake type | Endorheic basin |
| Primary outflows | Terminal |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 5 km (3.1 mi) |
| Max. width | 3 km (1.9 mi) |
| Shore length1 | 15 km (9.3 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 919 m (3,015 ft) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Goldstone Lake is a fascinating dry lake located in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California. It is about 56 kilometers (35 miles) northeast of the city of Barstow. This lake is roughly 5 kilometers (3 miles) long and 3 kilometers (2 miles) wide at its widest point.
Where is Goldstone Lake Located?
Goldstone Lake is found on land owned by the federal government. It sits within the boundaries of the Fort Irwin Military Reservation. This area is southwest of the Granite Mountains.
What is a Dry Lake?
A dry lake, also known as a playa, is a basin or depression that once held water but is now dry. These areas often have a flat, hard surface made of clay, silt, or sand. They can sometimes fill with water after heavy rains, but the water usually evaporates quickly.
Why is Goldstone Lake Dry?
Goldstone Lake is a type of lake called an Endorheic basin. This means it is a closed basin where water flows in but does not flow out to rivers or oceans. Instead, any water that enters the lake leaves only through evaporation. Because the Mojave Desert is very hot and dry, any water that collects in Goldstone Lake quickly evaporates, leaving it dry for most of the year.
