endorheic system

An endorheic system is a drainage basin that does not drain to the ocean. Instead, surface waters in these "closed systems" flow to inland termini, such as lakes or playas, where they evaporate or seep away. These termini can become saline as dissolved salts accumulate from rainwater and leached minerals within the drainage basin.1

Inland waters, which constitute less than 1% of the Earth's total water, originate from the ocean through evaporation and are part of the global hydrologic cycle. They can be classified as lotic (running water) or lentic (standing water) habitats, including rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and marshes. Drainage systems are categorized as exorheic (draining to the ocean), endorheic (draining inland), or arheic (haphazard drainage).1