Which lake is divided into freshwater and saline sections by the Saryesik Peninsula?

Lake Balkhash is divided into freshwater and saline sections by the Saryesik Peninsula.

The lake is in southeastern Kazakhstan and is one of the world’s unusual large lakes because its western part is relatively fresh while its eastern part is considerably saltier. The narrow Uzynaral Strait connects the two sections, and the Saryesik Peninsula helps separate their waters.

The Ili River supplies most of the lake’s inflow, entering the western basin. Other rivers, including the Karatal, Aksu, Lepsy, and Ayagoz, also contribute. Because the lake has no outlet, its water balance depends strongly on river inflow, evaporation, and human water use in the surrounding basin.

Lake Balkhash is sometimes confused with nearby Lake Alakol, another important lake in southeastern Kazakhstan. Balkhash is much larger and has the distinctive freshwater–saline contrast between its two main basins.