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Mono Lake, USA
Mono Lake is a hypersaline and alkaline lake found in California, near Nevada border. This is the nesting place for many bird species. Mono Lake is one of the oldest lakes and believed to be formed at least before 760,000 years. This lake is geologically very active at the northern end of the volcanic chains of the Mono-Inyo craters. The salt concentration and pH level are little higher in the lake and the tributaries of this lake include Rush Creek and Lee Vining Creek.
There are two beautiful islands in this lake, Paoha Island and Negit Island. Also, there are many rock outcroppings. Recent volcanic eruption happened in the Paoha Island 350 years ago. Evaporation is the only outlet for the lake. The concentration of salt is very high because the minerals and salts carried on by the Creek are deposited in this lake. The fish cannot survive here due to high alkalinity and high salinity. However, this salty water supports the growth of algae.
Tufa rock formations are another tourist attraction and this grace the Mono Lake’s shores. The formations are mainly formed of limestone and largest formations can be seen at the southern end of the lake. Some of the tufa formations are about thirty feet high and they are clearly visible.
Lake water level is becoming reducing for the past few years because of which Lee Vining Creek has now become dry below the diversion point. This affects Canadian geese, snow geese, swans, tundra swans, and White-fronted geese as these species use the lake as a stop point. The lowering water levels also cause serious environmental problems, especially to the million of species that uses this water.
A committee has been formed to protect the lake and to combat the environmental consequences. Reasonable achievements have been made by this committee and certain amount of water inflow also been achieved.
