Large salty lake
A new investigation points out that a large network of freshwater is leading to the islands to grow up, even with the diminishing of lake size.
The mystery of the “islands” covered with reeds that rise from the Praia do Grande Lake Salgado, Utah, which is shrinking, may finally have an explanation. A team of scientists revealed evidence of a Vast underground freshwater network that feeds the hills, allowing vegetation life to flourish even with the retreat of the lake.
The discovery, in July at the Goldschmidt 2025 conference, sheds light over the fragile but complex, ecosystem of one of the ecologically most important lakes in the United States. Researchers say discoveries can improve the understanding of how the large salty lake works and Best way to protect it of current environmental challenges.
“The last thing we wanted was that this was characterized as a water resource we should be exploring,” warned geologist Bill Johnson of the University of Utah. “It is much more fragile than thatand we need to understand it better. ”
The large salty lake has been slowly decreasing since the 1980s, reaching a record level by 2022. The descent of water levels raised salinity, threatening the organisms that support its ecosystem. For neighboring communities, the dry bed of the lake represents another danger: the winds raise thin dust from the sediments exposedgenerating concerns about air quality.
Understanding the water sources of the lake became increasingly urgent. Although precipitation and runoff are known factors, the role of groundwater under the lake remains uncertain. To investigate, Johnson’s team used a combination of advanced tools, including piezometers, salinity profile and resistivity surveys. In February 2025, they established a partnership with Expert Geophysics to perform air electromagnetic mapping over Farmington Bay, says.
These surveys use magnetic field measurements to create 3D images of underground structures. Combined with soil data, point to a extensive underground reservoir which can reach more than 3000 meters below the surface. In surface mountains, water is sweeter in the nucleus and becomes increasingly saline abroad, as well as ascending flows from deep sources.
Although researchers do not yet know the total extent or depth of freshwater, the evidence indicates Significant reserves under pressure. Johnson emphasized that while the discovery can help reduce the dust of the exposed beach areas, it should not be seen as an use to explore.
