Striking new images show lake has lost nearly half of its surface area from the historical average
that has gripped the south-west of the US, data from the US Geological Survey has also revealed that the decrease in water levels has left about 1,990 sq km of lakebed exposed.
The disappearance of the lake has been attributed to drought caused by climate breakdown and water use, along with the redirection of water from streams used to replenish the lake for use in residential spaces and agriculture. The demand for the lake’s water has increased as the population of Utah climbs. Currently home to about 3.3 million people, it is projected that the population willThe Great Salt Lake hit a new record low for the second time in less than a year.The lake is home to many animals, and with its associated wetlands welcomes about 10 million migratory birds every year. About 330 different species stop over in the lake for food, which is now under threat thanks to rising salt levels.
As well as endangering wildlife, the drying lake also poses threats to human health. Lakebed exposure releases dust containing dangerous remnants of mining activity in the region, such as copper and arsenic, which can be blown into nearby settlements and can cause respiratory problems if inhaled. Officials suggest the lake is likely to continue shrinking until at least autumn or early winter, when rainfall and snow will begin to replenish some of the water lost.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
David Mundy announces he will retire at the end of the AFL seasonFremantle Dockers great David Mundy reveals he will retire from the AFL at the end of the season after playing more than 370 games for the club since his debut in 2005.
Read more »
‘We sent Kate Bush a thank you letter’: how Utah Saints made Something Good‘Hardware in 1992 was very basic. We had to pitch-bend Kate’s vocal it to keep it in time, which is why it goes “oo-oo-aye”’
Read more »
Red-hot Demon claims big title ahead of US OpenThe Demon hitting FORM leading into the US Open with his 2️⃣nd Atlanta Open Title! 😈🇦🇺 📖 More: 🖥️ The US Open | LIVE on Nine and Stan Sport from August 29. USOpen Tennis
Read more »
Red-hot Demon claims big title ahead of US OpenDemon's US Open prep is off to a flying start!
Read more »
Has history got it wrong about Oliver Cromwell’s persecution of Catholics?Hundreds of lost documents have been unearthed revealing the Puritan leader’s radical views on religious freedom
Read more »
Joe Manchin hails expansive bill he finally agrees to as ‘great for America’Rewritten $739bn bill, now called the Inflation Reduction Act, that tackles US debt and the climate crisis could pass Senate this week
Read more »