Over time, the layer of salt was buried under a thick layer of mud.
The salt domes of Dasht-e Kavir are probably some of the best examples of this geological phenomenon.
Photo credit: George Steinmetz
Geologists have identified about 50 large salt domes in this region.
Some of the domes have been eroded away by wind and rain exposing its cross-section.
Because of this travelling in Dasht-e Kavir is extremely dangerous.
The soil is sterile and not suitable for cultivation.
The desert is almost uninhabited and only partly explored.
Some live in the hills and the surrounding mountains.
Wild sheep, camels, goats and Persian leopards also live in the mountainous areas.
An aerial view of the eroded salt dome in the Dasht-e Kavir.
Their orientation preserves a record of the wind as it blew across the surface.
Photo credit: George Steinmetz
Photo credit: NASA Landsat 5 satellite
Sources:Wikipedia/NASA/George Steinmetz
