The term 'Desert Lake' can be broken down into two crossword solutions: MIRAGE (6 letters) and Gobi (4 letters). MIRAGE is a naturally occurring optical phenomenon in which light rays are bent to produce a displaced image of distant objects or the sky. It is most commonly seen in hot deserts, where the air is heated unevenly and creates an illusion of water. The Gobi Desert is a large desert region in Asia that stretches across parts of northern and northwestern China and southern Mongolia. It is home to several large saltwater lakes, including the Great Gobi A and Great Gobi B.