Kuhestan

(Kuhistan), a natural region in Iran between the deserts Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut.

Kuhestan consists of several mountain ranges, for the most part oriented from north to south or from north-northwest to the south-southeast. They are divided by broad depressions. The highest ranges reach 1,500–2,000 m, and several peaks exceed 2,500 m (Mount Murqum, 2,845 m). The flat intermontane depressions are often the site of solonchaks (elevation, 800–1,200 m). The climate is harshly continental and desert. Summers are hot and dry; winters are cool. Annual precipitation is less than 200 mm. Rivers are filled with water only after rains; vegetation is rare. Landscapes are mostly rocky, sandy, and solonchak deserts. Pasturable livestock are raised in the region. There are small oases in the foothills.