Mono Lake Size report
Mono Lake is a saltwater lake in eastern California, the second-largest lake in California, and one of the oldest lakes in North America. Since the lake water never flows out, the evaporation is very large, so a large number of salt is left in the lake, and the salinity of the lake water is more than twice that of ordinary seawater.
"Lake Mono is amid a terrifying desert, barren of grass, surrounded by mountains two thousand feet above the lake, whose peaks are shrouded in mist all year round. It is a solemn, quiet sea, and the most Solitary inhabitants live in the most desolate corner of the earth. The two central islands are nothing more than uplifted crust and volcanic lava." Mark Twain described the Mono Lake area.
When you see it in person, you will be amazed by the unique natural beauty of Mono Lake, which can make you feel like you are on Mars. The Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve was established in 1981, and it is a high-altitude desert preserve on the east side of the High Ridge Mountains.
Size And Description of Mono Lake
Mono Lake formed over a million years ago and transformed from an ancient inland sea into a saltwater lake. Since the lake lacks an outlet, there is an accumulation of high salt levels. The high levels of salt make Mono Lake's water alkaline. Its most famous feature is its dramatic tufa towers. When the lake surface was high, freshwater springs flowed into the lake bottom. They reacted with lake minerals to form the striking cement-like calcium carbonate spires that line the shores of Mono Lake today, looking like an abandoned ancient city. Countless tourists enjoy the magnificent natural scenery each year, with high ridge peaks to the west and jungle-dotted desert to the east.
Get off U.S. 395 north of Lee Vining and Tioga Pass, you will first visit the tourist center in reserve, where you can learn about the natural and human history of the Mono Basin through the exhibits in the tourist center, including how the dire environmental problems caused by the diversion of water flow all but led to the disappearance of the lake.
Mono Lake Size
Mono Lake is a large and shallow alkaline lake. Before water was diverted from the lake's tributaries, Mono Lake had a surface area of 55,179 acres. Now it has 45,133 acres, with the length of 21 km (13 miles) and the maximum width of 15 km (9.5 miles). At an elevation of 1,946 meters (6,382 feet), Mono Lake is about 48 meters (160 feet) at its deepest point. The catchment area is about 2,030 sq km (780 sq miles).
| Features | Size |
|---|---|
| Max. length | 21 km (13 mi) |
| Max. width | 15 km (9.5 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 1,946 m (6,382 ft) |
| Surface area | 45,133 acres |
| Max. depth | 48 m (160 ft) |
| Catachment area | 2,030 sq km (780 sq mi) |
Natural Resources
Mono Lake has a unique ecosystem where brine shrimp can prosper in its waters. Mono Lake and the tiny Wizard Island on the lake are significant nesting habitats for about 2 million annual migratory birds, such as California Gulls and Snowy Plovers. In the fall, many migratory birds stop at Mono Lake, a major migration route. Bird-watching tours depart every Friday and Saturday at 8:00 a.m. every year from mid-May to Labor Day (the first Monday in September). The visitor center is closed from December to March each year.
There are many trails in reserve; you can follow the trails to the South Tufa Area and see the travertine towers and convex rocks by the lake up close. The travertine landform is due to the inflow of freshwater spring water that is super alkaline with 2.5 times the salt content of seawater produced by lake water. Naturalists offer three free guided walking tours of the South Travertine District each day between late June and Labor Day.
Final Words
In summer, you can take a boat trip or take a walking tour of the tufa towers. Many photographers have taken stunning photos at Mono Lake, especially the colorful sunset behind the tuff. Depending on the day, both sunrise and sunset can make for spectacular photos. Walking onto the surreal shores of Mono Lake is like entering a fantasy world dominated by spiring tufa towers. Mono Lake's intriguing little mysteries are the brimming ecosystem and limestone formations.
