Endangered Salt Lake: Drying Out and Accelerating Global Warming

great Salt Lake’s Decline Fuels significant Carbon dioxide Emissions

August 30, 2025

A recent scientific investigation reveals that the shrinking Great Salt Lake in Utah is releasing substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating the climate crisis. Researchers have linked this surge in emissions directly to human water consumption over the past two decades.

The Discovery on the Drying Lakebed

melissa Cobo, a former postgraduate student at the State University of Utah, experienced the stark reality of the lake’s decline firsthand during a research expedition. Trekking across the exposed lakebed, she noted the difficult terrain and the strange, crystalline layers turning to mud. Her work with advisor Soren Brothers led to the discovery that these drying lakebeds are significant sources of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

According to a study published in One Earth, approximately 4.1 million tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses were released from the bottom of the Great Salt Lake in 2020 alone. This represents roughly seven percent of all emissions caused by human activities within the state of Utah that year.

A Global Phenomenon

While carbon emissions from drying lakes have been previously documented in locations like the Aral Sea in Central Asia, this utah-focused study is the first to definitively attribute a significant portion of those emissions to human activity. Brothers emphasized, “It’s the first time we say: ‘This is something that is our guilt.'”

Lakes typically act as carbon storage facilities, accumulating organic matter over millennia. This material settles at the bottom in oxygen-poor layers, slowing decomposition. However, as lakes dry up, oxygen penetrates the sediments, awakening microorganisms that begin to break down the organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

“When the lakes are flooded with water,they are our allies in the fight to remove CO2 from the atmosphere,” explained Rafael Marcé,a researcher at the Centre for Advanced Studies in Spain.”But when they dry out, it’s a different story.”

The Microscopic Engines of Emission

Marcé likened the microorganisms’ activity to waking up and having breakfast, highlighting their immediate consumption of organic matter and subsequent release of carbon dioxide. The great Salt Lake, currently at historically low levels, has become a literal feast for these microorganisms.

The shrinking lake poses numerous dangers beyond greenhouse gas emissions, including the release of toxic dust, habitat loss for migratory birds, and negative impacts on local industries like brine shrimp harvesting. Researchers used portable analyzers to measure carbon dioxide and methane levels across the exposed lakebed.

“Once you place the dome on the sand or the exposed bottom of the lake, you start to observe that CO2 is rising,” stated Brothers, observing increased emissions during warmer months.Studies of the Aral Sea,conducted by Marcé,show that areas exposed for 60 years continue to emit carbon dioxide,possibly for centuries to come.

The Need for Global Recognition

Both Brothers and Marcé advocate for the inclusion of emissions from drying lakes in international carbon accounting. “They must include drying lakes in them,” Marcé urged, “Because in the case of vrey large lakes, it could be a very important escape of carbon.”

Lake	Location	Primary Driver of Drying	Estimated CO2 Emissions (Annual)
Great Salt Lake	Utah, USA	Human water consumption	4.1 million tons (2020)
Aral Sea	Central Asia	Diversion of river water for irrigation	Variable, historically significant

Understanding Lake Ecology and Carbon Sequestration

Healthy lakes are vital carbon sinks, playing a crucial role in regulating the global climate. The delicate balance of lake ecosystems can be disrupted by various factors,including drought,agricultural runoff,and industrial pollution. Preserving lake health requires sustainable water management practices and proactive conservation efforts.

Did You Know? Freshwater lakes store approximately 25% of the world’s liquid freshwater, making their health critical for both human consumption and ecological stability.

Pro Tip: Support organizations dedicated to water conservation and lake restoration. Every effort, no matter how small, can contribute to protecting these vital ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is causing the Great Salt lake to dry up? Human water consumption,primarily for agricultural and municipal use,is the primary driver of the lake’s decline.
• how do drying lakes contribute to climate change? When lakes dry up, organic matter in the sediments decomposes, releasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
• Is this happening in other places besides the Great Salt Lake? Yes, similar emissions have been documented in other drying lakes around the world, such as the Aral Sea.
• what can be done to mitigate carbon emissions from drying lakes? Sustainable water management practices and restoration efforts are crucial to preserving lake levels and minimizing emissions.
• What role do microorganisms play in this process? Microorganisms in the exposed lakebed feed on organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct of their metabolism.

What steps should be taken to address this escalating environmental issue? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and help spread awareness about the importance of preserving our precious freshwater resources.

What are the primary ways human activity contributes to the Great Salt Lake decline?

The Great Salt Lake Crisis: A Looming Ecological Disaster

The Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, is facing an unprecedented crisis. Decades of water diversion, coupled with the intensifying effects of climate change, are causing the lake to shrink at an alarming rate. This isn’t just a regional environmental concern; the drying of the Great Salt Lake has important implications for global warming and air quality. Understanding the complexities of this situation is crucial for implementing effective conservation strategies. Key terms related to this issue include Great Salt Lake decline, lakebed exposure, dust storms, and aridification.

How Water Diversion Impacts the Salt Lake Ecosystem

Historically, rivers and streams fed the Great Salt Lake, maintaining its salinity and supporting a unique ecosystem. However, since the mid-20th century, increasing agricultural and municipal demands have led to extensive water diversion.

Agricultural Use: Irrigation for crops consumes a substantial portion of the water that would naturally flow into the lake. alfalfa farming, in particular, is a significant water user in the region.

Urban Advancement: Growing cities along the Wasatch Front require increasing amounts of water for residential and industrial purposes.

Dam Construction: Dams and reservoirs further restrict the natural flow of water, trapping it upstream.

this reduction in inflow has dramatically lowered the lake’s water level, leading to increased salinity and a shrinking habitat for the lake’s diverse wildlife. The term water rights is central to understanding the legal and political challenges surrounding this issue.

The Link between a Drying Lake and Global Warming

the exposed lakebed,known as the playa,is a major source of dust. This dust contains high concentrations of arsenic and other harmful pollutants. But the impact extends beyond local air quality.

Albedo Effect: Water has a lower albedo (reflectivity) than dry land. as the lake shrinks, the darker playa absorbs more sunlight, contributing to regional warming.

Dust and Snowpack: Dust deposition on surrounding mountains reduces snowpack, impacting water availability in the long term. Reduced snowpack accelerates the drying trend, creating a risky feedback loop.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Disturbance of the lakebed can release trapped greenhouse gases, further exacerbating climate change.the carbon sink capacity of the lake is diminishing.

Ecological Consequences: A Biodiversity Hotspot at Risk

The Great Salt lake supports a remarkable array of life, including millions of migratory birds that rely on the lake as a crucial stopover point.

Brine Shrimp: These tiny crustaceans are the foundation of the lake’s food web and a vital food source for migratory birds. Declining lake levels and increased salinity threaten brine shrimp populations.

Waterfowl: The lake provides habitat for numerous species of ducks,geese,and other waterfowl. Habitat loss is forcing birds to seek choice feeding and breeding grounds.

Shoreline Ecosystems: Wetlands and marshes along the shoreline are disappearing, impacting fish populations and other aquatic life.

Endemic Species: The lake is home to several species found nowhere else on Earth, making its preservation even more critical.

The term ecological collapse is a real possibility if the lake continues to decline.

Air Quality Impacts and Public health Concerns

The exposed playa is a significant source of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), contributing to poor air quality in the Wasatch Front.

Respiratory problems: Dust storms can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory illnesses.

Cardiovascular Issues: Exposure to particulate matter is linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Toxic Exposure: The dust contains arsenic and other harmful substances that can pose long-term health risks.

economic Costs: Poor air quality impacts tourism, recreation, and overall quality of life.

The dust pollution from the Great Salt Lake is becoming a major public health crisis.

Case Study: Owens Lake – A Cautionary Tale

The story of Owens Lake in California serves as a stark warning. Similar to the Great Salt Lake, Owens Lake was drained to supply water to a growing city (Los Angeles). The resulting exposed lakebed became one of the largest sources of dust pollution in the United States, causing severe health problems for nearby communities. Mitigation efforts, including water re-routing and dust suppression techniques, have been costly and complex. This demonstrates the long-term consequences of neglecting the health of saline lakes.

Potential Solutions and Conservation Efforts

Addressing the Great Salt Lake crisis requires a multi-faceted approach.

1. Water Conservation: Implementing more efficient irrigation practices and reducing water consumption in urban areas.
2. Water Rights Reform: Re-evaluating water rights allocations to prioritize the health of the lake.
3. Managed Retreat: Allowing some agricultural land to return to natural wetlands to increase inflow to the lake.
4. Dust Suppression: Utilizing techniques like brine spraying and vegetation planting to control dust emissions.
5. Restoration Projects: Restoring wetlands and marshes along the shoreline to enhance habitat.
6. Increased Monitoring: Continuously monitoring lake levels,salinity,and air quality to track progress and adapt strategies.

The term salinity management