Caroline Beachler
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Andrew Gronewold
Research Mentor School/College/Department: School for Environment and Sustainability / SNRE
Program:
Authors: Caroline Beachler, Andrew Gronewold, Anna Gossard
Session: Session 2: 10:00 am – 10:50 am
Poster: 35
Abstract
Historically, starting in the 1930s, Lake Abert (Oregon) has been intermittently impacted by significant periods of drought, including a drop to critically low levels in the early 2010s. As one of three hypersaline lakes in the US, Lake Abert is a significant contributor to biodiversity and serves as a habitat to multiple species. Although climate change is having detrimental impacts on Lake Abert, human activities have perhaps had a more significant effect by changing the water balance between runoff and evaporation through anthropogenic contributions to global warming and water use. Because saline lakes (such as Lake Abert) need consistent and reliable freshwater to maintain a complex food web, the problem of low freshwater supplies involves a complex solution. Through researching Lake Abert water level history and comparing it to similar lakes (such as Mono Lake in California), comparable hydrological trends might help guide a comprehensive solution. Our research will take into account multiple variables by comparing and contrasting past/present water levels within a scenario analysis framework, and will conclude with key points about why saline lakes, such as Lake Abert, need more attention.
