Alkali flats, also known as salt flats or desert flats, are areas of land that contain high concentrations of salt and other minerals. These flat expanses are typically found in arid regions and are characterized by their alkaline soil, dry climate, and sparse vegetation. Synonyms for alkali flats include playa, salina, salt pan, and dry lakebed. Playas tend to be smaller and more shallow than salt pans, which are often much larger and covered in a thick layer of salt. Salinas, or salt marshes, are wetland areas that contain high levels of salt. Whatever the name, one thing is for certain: these barren landscapes are beautiful and fascinating in their own right.