A huge freshwater reserve has been found beneath a salt lake

The study showed that under the bottom of the lake there is a layer of rocks saturated with fresh water.

It's located

• beneath a thin layer of salt water
• at a depth of 3 or 4 kilometres

And the water, as it turned out, penetrates not only from the edges of the lake, as scientists expected, and goes deep under its central part.

This was a surprise.

Details

The scientists used a special method

using equipment suspended beneath the helicopter, they "scanned" the ground beneath the lake.

This is how they were able to see the difference between

• salt water
• fresh water

and build a map of the underground layers.

Why it's important

The discovery shows that there may be a large supply of fresh water beneath the lake.

But more importantly, the practical application:

the drying lake bed has already become a source of toxic dust.

Scientists are looking at the possibility

using groundwater to wet such areas and reduce dust emissions

The study only covered part of the lake.

It's not yet clear

• how big this reservoir is
• whether this water can be used safely
• whether it extends under the entire lake

The discovery is not only important for the United States.

It shows that

• fresh water can be hidden beneath salty lakes
• such sources can be found in other regions
• it could help fight environmental problems

Background

The Great Salt Lake is the largest salt lake in the Western Hemisphere. In recent years, its level has declined markedly, increasing the problem of dust pollution.

Source

The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports.