The Mojave Desert is characterized by salt flats and dry lake beds, remnants of ancient water bodies that have evaporated over time.

The Mojave Desert features unique geological formations like salt flats and dry lake beds, which were once covered by ancient lakes during wetter climatic periods. Famous examples include Soda Lake, Badwater Basin (in nearby Death Valley), and Rogers Dry Lake, where water rarely accumulates and evaporates quickly due to the arid environment. These areas are often covered with a crust of salt or minerals left behind by evaporation. Unlike regions with active rivers, lakes, or waterfalls, the Mojave's extreme aridity limits permanent water sources, creating its iconic stark and barren landscapes.