“Drying Great Salt Lake Bed Reveals Surprising Source of Greenhouse Gas Emissions”
New research has shed light on the alarming increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the drying lake bed of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. A study published in the journal One Earth revealed that the dry parts of the Great Salt Lake contributed approximately 4.1 million tons of carbon emissions in 2020 alone. This finding indicates that the lake bed, along with other drying lake beds, could be emitting significantly more greenhouse gases than previously thought.
The study, led by Soren Brothers, the Allan and Helaine Shiff Curator of Climate Change at the Royal Ontario Museum, highlighted that the emissions from the Great Salt Lake led to a 7% increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions for the state of Utah in 2020. Brothers emphasized the importance of addressing the human-caused desiccation of the lake and its implications for climate change mitigation and watershed planning.
Researchers measured carbon dioxide and methane emissions in the dry areas of the lake from April to November, adjusting the measurements after comparing them to natural aquatic emissions. This allowed the team to determine the extent to which human activity contributed to the emissions from the drying lake bed. The results also revealed a strong correlation between increasing emissions from the lake bed and rising temperatures.
The water levels of the Great Salt Lake have been declining in recent years, reaching a record low in 2022. The lake has lost approximately 73% of its water, driven in part by drought and global warming. Human activities, such as drawing water for agricultural and residential use, have also played a role in the declining water levels.
As concerns mount over the emissions from the dry lake bed, there are additional worries about the impact on air quality and wildlife. Utah officials have warned about toxic air pollution that could be emitted from the drying lake bed. The study authors emphasized the need to consider greenhouse gas emissions from dry, exposed lake beds when making decisions about water management and reducing anthropogenic emissions.
The Great Salt Lake, spanning about 1,700 square miles, is the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere. As efforts to address climate change and reduce carbon footprints continue, the findings from this study underscore the importance of addressing the drying lake bed and its implications for greenhouse gas emissions.