Which lake is divided into a freshwater western basin and a saline eastern basin?

Lake Balkhash is divided into a freshwater western basin and a saline eastern basin.

This unusual lake lies in southeastern Kazakhstan and is separated near its center by the Saryesik Peninsula and a narrow strait. The western portion receives most of the inflow from the Ili River, while the eastern basin has less freshwater input and is therefore saltier.

Lake Balkhash is one of the world’s largest lakes and is especially notable because both basins belong to the same lake but have different chemical conditions. The distinction can vary with water levels, river flow and human water use.

The lake supports important fish populations and wetlands, but it faces ecological pressure from irrigation, pollution and changing inflows. It should not be confused with the former Aral Sea, another major Central Asian lake affected by water diversion.