The Great Salt Lake is getting a little less great - here’s why

Aug 31, 2022

Clouds are reflected in the drought affected Great Salt Lake outside Salt Lake City, Utah, US.

The Great Salt Lake is shrinking. Image: REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Victoria Masterson

Senior Writer, Forum Agenda

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Satellite images of the Great Salt Lake in 1985 and 2022.

Satellite images show how the Great Salt Lake in the US has dropped almost 7 metres between 1985 and 2022. Image: NASA

Satellite image of the Great Salt Lake in 1985.

The Great Salt Lake in June 1985. Image: NASA

Satellite image of the Great Salt Lake in 2022.

The Great Salt Lake in July 2022. Image: NASA

Chart showing lake elevation of the Great Salt Lake.

The Great Salt Lake has dropped about 6.7 metres since 1985. Image: NASA

Chart showing lake elevation of the Great Salt Lake.

Water levels at the Great Salt Lake have been declining for decades, NASA says. Image: NASA

Infographic showing the nutrient cycle of the Great Salt Lake in Utah.

The nutrient cycle of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Image: State of Utah

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