Mineral Deposits on Earth

Most water on Earth contains salts and minerals. Therefore, when a lake evaporates, it can leave behind evidence on Earth's surface.

For example, Searles Lake in California's Mojave Desert is now a dried-out lakebed with white mineral deposits that were left after the salt water evaporated. Currently, mining operations collect minerals rich in sodium and potassium for industrial use by pumping salt water to the surface and letting the water evaporate in the dry desert air.