The Great Salt Lake in Utah Hypersaline Conditions Research Paper
You have now learned that in the open ocean, salinity varies between about 33 and 38 parts per thousand. But when we talk about lakes (for example, Lake Michigan or Lake Okeechobee), we are typically talking about freshwater.
For this assignment:
Part 1: Explain why the Great Salt Lake in Utah has a salinity of nearly 280 parts per thousand–nearly 9 times saltier than the open ocean! You should research this topic via the Internet or library, but remember that when searching for sources of information, use only reliable Internet sites (.edu, .gov, .org, mbari, NatGeo, Smithsonian). You may also use scientific articles.
For full credit, explain the historical formation of the Great Salt Lake, where such hypersaline conditions came from and why those hypersaline conditions still exist today. A robust paragraph should be the result of this assignment.
Cite the source(s) that you used to answer this question.
Part 2. Relating to your service learning project. Increase in CO2 is related to sea level rise (SLR). How is SLR affecting salinity in the coastal environment? How is SLR affecting crops? Is salinity increasing or decreasing due to SLR? Please see the article listed below. Please note that your final question for the service learning project is to list ways that increase in CO2 in the atmosphere is affecting the ocean. Final question for service learning project is due later.
