The Lake's name was derived from the Kutzadike'a Indian Tribe that was living in the area when the pioneers arrived in the 1850s. The Indians used the abundant alkali fly pupae found on the shores of the lake as one of their main food sources, so the other Indians that traded in the area referred to them as the Monache, which means "fly-eaters." The pioneers shortened the name to "Mono."
Mono Lake is one of the oldest lakes in North America and has fluctuated in size over the years because the lake has no outlet. Consequently, for thousands of years minerals have been carried into the lake, resulting in a water mineral content of about 10%. This mineral content in the alkaline water is too high for fish to survive, but the lake is one of the most productive lakes in the world that supports millions of brine shrimp, alkali flies, and migratory birds.
In 1941 the City of Los Angles Department of Water Resources extended the Los Angeles Aqueduct to Mono Lake and started draining the lake for domestic uses. By 1982 the lake was reduced to 69% of its 1941 level, so a group was formed to save the lake. After numerous court cases and negotiations, it was agreed that the lake would be held at about the current level, which has been difficult during the drought that California has been experiencing for the past few years.
As the lake level dropped, people were surprised to see the Tufa tower formations that were located on the bottom of the lake. Apparently, the Tufa towers spires were formed when fresh water springs containing calcium bubbled up through the carbonate-rich lake water, forming calcium carbonate.
Today, it is interesting to walk along the lake's shore to observe the Tufa formations, or ideally, have a canoe to go out on the lake and observe the formations in their natural surrounding.
No comments:
Post a Comment