Jun 20, 2025 · There are many theories as to the origin of playas, but the most widely accepted are that playas are either carved by wind or formed by land subsidence (they are sinkholes).
Playas occupy the flat central basins of desert plains. They require interior drainage to a zone where evaporation greatly exceeds inflow. When flooded, a playa lake forms where fine-grained sediment.
Playas — also called mud holes, buffalo wallows, and lagoons — are round, shallow depressions found at the lowest point of a watershed. Their basins, which are lined with clay soil, collect and hold water.
Playas are sources of great plant and animal biodiversity, providing critical habitat for millions of migratory birds and waterfowl, as well as providing essential habitat for amphibians, reptiles,.
Playas occur in intermountain basins throughout the arid southwestern United States. Although playas may appear as featureless plains, they are rich in features and characteristics that can reveal.
When they do fill with water, playas become thriving wetlands home to a variety of plants and wildlife not normally found in the region. Migratory birds will use water-filled playas as stopovers and breeding.
Playas are shallow, circular-shaped wetlands that are primarily filled by rainfall, although some playas found in cropland settings may also receive water from irrigation runoff.
