Ice Age lake at Death Valley National Park reemerges after record rainfall
2 days ago
- #Climate Change
- #Death Valley
- #Lake Manly
- An ancient lake, informally known as 'Lake Manly,' has reemerged in Death Valley National Park after record rainfall.
- The lake formed at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, due to repeated storms between September and November.
- This year's fall storms brought 2.41 inches of rain, making it Death Valley's wettest fall on record.
- November alone saw 1.76 inches of rain, breaking the previous November record set in 1923.
- Lake Manly was once a massive body of water during the Ice Age, spanning nearly 100 miles with depths up to 600 feet.
- The lake dried up over time as the climate warmed, leaving behind salty remnants.
- Modern appearances of Lake Manly are rare, occurring only when significant precipitation covers the salt flats at Badwater Basin.
- In August 2023, Death Valley received 2.20 inches of rain in one day, breaking another rainfall record.