How is the salinity of Great Salt Lake measured?
The salinity of Great Salt Lake is measured by taking specific gravity and temperature measurements and comparing them to standardized values reported in a table. Specific gravity is measured in the field by testing a water sample with a device very similar to a battery or antifreeze tester.
Related Content
What is the difference between "mountain", "hill", and "peak"; "lake" and "pond"; or "river" and "creek?"
Where can I find information about my local drinking water supply?
Is saline water used for anything?
Does the use of pesticides affect our Nation's water quality?
What can be causing our drinking water to have a reddish color?
Where can I find detailed sampling methods for surface water and groundwater?
Why are some lakes full of algae and thick plants?
Water Quality in the Great Salt Lake Basins, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming, 1998-2001
This report contains the major findings of a 1998-2001 assessment of water quality in the Great Salt Lake Basins. It is one of a series of reports by the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program that present major findings in 51 major river basins and aquifer systems across the Nation. In these reports, water quality is discussed...
Waddell, Kidd M.; Gerner, Steven J.; Thiros, Susan A.; Giddings, Elise M.; Baskin, Robert L.; Cederberg, Jay R.; Albano, Christine M.
The Great Salt Lake
The western part of the conterminous United States is often thought of as being a desert without any large bodies of water. In the desert area of western Utah, however, lies Great Salt Lake, which in 1986 covered approximately 2,300 square miles and contained 30 million acre-feet of water (an acre-foot is the amount of water necessary to cover 1...
Hassibe, W.R.; Keck, W.G.
Water-level and water-quality changes in Great Salt Lake, Utah, 1847-1983
The surface level of Great Salt Lake, Utah, fluctuates continuously, primarily in response to climatic factors. During 1847-1982 the lake surface fluctuated between a low of about 4,191 feet and a high of about 4,212 feet above sea level but showed no net change. From September 18, 1982, to June 30, 1983, however, the lake rose 5.2 feet-from about...
Arnow, Ted
USGS and Utah Department of Natural Resources Announce New Record Low Elevation at Great Salt Lake's North Arm
The north arm of the Great Salt Lake (GSL) has reached a new historic low. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands (FFSL), the lake's water level reached an elevation of 4,191.6 feet last month, one foot lower than the previous record.
New maps change thinking about Great Salt Lake
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has recently released the second of two maps defining the bottom surface of Great Salt Lake, Utah. These mapping efforts were the first detailed, systematic surveys of the lake.
Water Quality in the Great Salt Lake Region Affected by Land Use
Water samples collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in areas surrounding the Great Salt Lake in parts of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming generally meet existing guidelines for drinking water and the protection of aquatic life, although water quality in some specific areas have elevated concentrations of pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nutrients, chloride, and elements
Great Salt Lake, USGS boat at work
USGS scientists check breach on glass-calm Great Salt Lake in surreal light.
Great Salt Lake 1985 & 2010
Comparison of lake levels in Great Salt Lake using Landsat 5 images taken in 1985 and again 2010.
USGS research boat conducting science on the Great Salt Lake.
USGS scientist Robert Baskin takes a boat out on the Great Salt Lake to conduct research.
Baskin is being awarded with a 2016 Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology. Gov. Gary R. Herbert will present awards to 11 individuals and one company at the 30th anniversary awards dinner on January 18, 2017. Baskin is best known for his innovative research on Great Salt
...
New Breach Allows Flow on the Great Salt Lake
The new Great Salt Lake breach was opened on Dec. 1 by the Union Pacific Railroad Company. This created a new opening between the north and the south arm of the lake, allowing water to flow between the two sides. This time-lapse video shows the breach opening, which took about two hours. Before the new breach was opened, the north arm of the Great Salt Lake was at an
...
False-color-composite satellite image of Great Salt Lake, Sept 2016
This is a false-color-composite satellite image of Great Salt Lake, Utah, Sept 2016. Vegetation appears red in image.
Great Salt Lake
Looking down and across the Great Salt Lake.
Great Salt Lake Breach at Lakeside, Utah
A gage to measure lake water levels stands dry in the lake bed of the Great Salt Lake. For the first time since it was opened in 1984, water has stopped flowing through the Great Salt Lake causeway breach, an area that allows water to travel between the southern and northern parts of the lake.
Great Salt Lake beach
USGS scientist on Great Salt Lake beach
Great Salt Lake, declining water level
Great Salt Lake, declining water level