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Shrinking Urmia Lake

Sunrise over Urmia Lake in North-West region of Iran on September 26, 2018. Urmia lake, former tourist attraction and one of Earth’s wanders, has shrunk 80% over last 30 years. Global warming and lack of proper protection of local environment caused the lake to dry out. The beaches by the lake today are abandoned and full of rubbish. (Photo by Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#3302050
Date Taken	26 September 2018
Location	N/A
Photographer	Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto

80% Caspian Sea East Azerbaijan Iranian Department of Environment Lake Urmia West Azerbaijan area beauty changing weather climate change damage damming day depth dry earth ecology endorheic salt lake environment future global issue global warming heat imagination islands landscape largest lake length middle east national park neglect outdoor pollution problem protect protection rubbish safety salt saltwater lake shrunk size smaller sun sun light sunrise surface white sea shore sky ocean horizon coast coastal and oceanic landforms headland beach wave