Sor (geomorphology)

A sor (Kazakh: сор; Turkmen: шор) is a closed drainless depression characteristic of the Central Asian deserts, found especially in Kazakhstan.

[1] The term forms part of some toponyms of Kazakhstan, such as Altybaysor, Aralsor, Atansor, Azhibeksor, Bauzhansor, Karasor, Koksengirsor, Mangisor, Maysor, Meshkeysor, Shandaksor, Sholaksor, Shureksor, Sorasha, Sorkol, Sormoildy, Tuzdysor, Zhaltyrsor, Zhyngyldysor and Sor Tuzbair.

Heavy seasonal rains taking place usually in the spring bring the water to accumulate at the bottom of the depression.

However, in recent decades it lost its distinct shoreline owing to the rise of the level of the Caspian Sea and has become a salt marsh.

[4][5] Located in areas of sparse vegetation, the typical sor landscape is quite barren.