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Makhtesh
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A makhtesh (Hebrew מכתש, plural: makhteshim) is a geological phenomenon in which a large closed body of water gradually drains through a narrow outlet; the erosion process creates a crater-like valley. This phenomenon is often said to be unique to the Negev (Israel) and the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt). However, very similar features exist in Turkmenistan (Yor-oilan-duz depression in Badkhyz Highlands) and Iran.
The Hebrew word makhtesh can be translated as crater, although it has been formed by water erosion and not by a meteor or a volcano. It can also be called an erosion crater, following the German name.
In the Negev, there are 5 makhteshim: Makhtesh Ramon, ha-Machtesh ha-Gadol ("The Large Machtesh"), ha-Machtesh ha-Katan ("The Small Machtesh"), and the two tiny makhteshim on Mount Arif.
The two makhteshim in Sinai have no names for the basin, but the makhtesh-walls have several names - like Jabal al Manzur or Gebel Maghara.