Ab-i Istada

In modern times the lake has been reported to have a surface area of , although it dries out periodically. It is very shallow, not exceeding in depth. There are two small islands near the lake's southeastern shore, Loya ghundai () and Kuchney ghundai (). Three sets of raised beaches surrounding the lake have been noted at , and above the normal lake level. At high water levels, the lake is known to overflow into the Lora River, a tributary of the Arghistan River, through two channels on the south side of the lake, Akasi Mandeh and Sekva Mandeh. A groundwater connection between the lake and the Lora drainage has been suggested. ==Settlement==

Historically the area around the lake was unpopulated, although nomads from nearby regions visited it in the summer. More recently, the Tarakai have settled near the lake: in 2003 there were eight villages within with a total population of approximately 5000. Economic activities around the lake include trapping of saker and peregrine falcons, grazing and collection of fuel wood. ==Environment==

The wetlands around Ab-i Istada attract a variety of migratory birds, over 120 species having previously been recorded. their numbers in recent years have varied between 0 and 9000. == See also ==