Describing a drainage basin that has no outlet to the sea, where water flows inward to a central depression and is lost through evaporation or underground seepage. These closed basins often contain salt lakes or dry lake beds.
From Greek 'endon' (within) and 'rhein' (to flow), coined by geographers in the early 20th century to distinguish closed drainage systems from those that reach the ocean. The concept became important as arid region studies expanded.
The Great Salt Lake sits in a massive endorheic basin where water has nowhere to go but up through evaporation, concentrating salt for millions of years until it's saltier than the ocean! About 18% of Earth's land surface drains into such closed basins.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.