Great Salt Lake Desert

MiddleSpring

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== Great Salt Lake Desert ==

The Great Salt Lake Desert is a large dry lake in northern Utah, United States. It is part of the larger Great Basin Desert and is adjacent to the Great Salt Lake. The desert is known for its white salt flats, which are remnants of the ancient Lake Bonneville.

Geography

The Great Salt Lake Desert covers an area of approximately 4,000 square miles (10,360 km²). It is bordered by the Bonneville Salt Flats to the west, the Great Salt Lake to the east, and the Wasatch Range to the southeast. The desert's elevation ranges from about 4,200 feet (1,280 meters) to 4,500 feet (1,370 meters) above sea level.

Climate

The climate of the Great Salt Lake Desert is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The region receives very little precipitation, averaging less than 10 inches (250 mm) annually. The high evaporation rates contribute to the formation of the salt flats.

Ecology

Despite its harsh conditions, the Great Salt Lake Desert supports a variety of plant and animal life. Common vegetation includes saltbush, greasewood, and various species of sagebrush. Wildlife in the area includes pronghorn, jackrabbits, and various species of lizards and snakes.

Human Activity

The Great Salt Lake Desert has been used for various human activities, including mining, military testing, and land speed record attempts. The Bonneville Salt Flats are particularly famous for hosting numerous land speed record events.

History

The Great Salt Lake Desert was once part of the ancient Lake Bonneville, a prehistoric lake that covered much of western Utah during the last ice age. As the climate warmed, the lake gradually evaporated, leaving behind the salt flats and desert landscape seen today.

Related Pages

• Great Basin Desert
• Bonneville Salt Flats
• Great Salt Lake
• Lake Bonneville
• Wasatch Range
• Pronghorn
• Sagebrush