Great Bitter Lake

:For other places called Bitter Lake, see Bitter Lake.

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The Great Bitter Lake is a salt water lake between the north and south part of the Suez Canal. It is adjoined by the Small Bitter Lake, separated by a contraction. Together, the Bitter Lakes have a surface area of about 250 km². To the north, the canal also runs through Lake Manzala and Lake Timsah.

Related Topics:
Suez Canal - Lake Manzala - Lake Timsah

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As the canal has no locks, sea water flows freely into the lake from the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, replacing water lost to evaporation. The lake acts as a buffer for the canal, reducing the effect of tidal currents.

Related Topics:
Mediterranean - Red Sea - Evaporation

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During the Six-Day War in 1967, the canal was closed, leaving 14 ships trapped in the lake until 1975. These ships became known as the "Yellow Fleet", because of the desert sands which soon covered their decks. A number of local postage stamps (or rather, decorative labels, since they had no postal validity) were created by the crews, which are sought after by collectors.

Related Topics:
Six-Day War - Yellow Fleet - Postage stamps

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