Mono Lake Saline Soda Lake

Mono Lake is a saline soda lake in Mono County, California.

Mono Lake formed at least 760,000 years ago in an endorheic basin.

Mono Lake has no outlet, causing salts to build up inside.

High salt levels make the lake water very alkaline and salty.

Millions of migratory birds use Mono Lake as a feeding stop.

Mono Lake brine shrimp thrive and provide food for the birds.

Alkali flies live in shallow waters and support local bird life.

Limestone towers called tufa formed underwater over many decades.

Tufa towers became visible when Mono Lake’s water levels dropped.

Before 1941, Mono Lake salinity averaged 50 grams per liter.

In January 1982, the lake's salinity reached 99 grams per liter.

Salinity dropped to 78 grams per liter in 2002.

No fish survive in Mono Lake’s salty alkaline water.

Winter runoff causes algae blooms that turn the lake green.

Mono Lake’s unique ecosystem supports vast bird and shrimp life.