Scientists Just Discovered a Hidden Freshwater World Beneath the Great Salt Lake

Researchers used helicopter-towed airborne electromagnetic surveys to image structures beneath the Great Salt Lake.

The study found freshwater saturating sediments under the lake’s salty surface at depths around 3–4 kilometers.

The team mapped the freshwater’s extent, measured resistivity to distinguish brine from freshwater, and published the results in Scientific Reports.

Surface observations show phragmites-covered mounds where pressurized freshwater reaches the exposed lakebed, and researchers are exploring practical uses to reduce dust.