A new tool from the University of Utah reveals how dust from the shrinking Great Salt Lake affects neighborhoods in northern Utah. This tool allows users to see how dust spreads by adjusting water levels from the lake.
Derek Mallia, a co-creator of the model, noted that previous air quality sensors didn’t capture the dust situation well because they were too limited. For example, there were only a couple of sensors spread apart — one in Rose Park and another in Sugar House. This led to significant gaps in data, which made it hard to measure dust exposure accurately.
The model currently uses data from the 2022 dust storms, with plans to include data from 2018 to 2023. The findings indicate that 2022 is a good representation of the area’s dust patterns.
Researchers found a clear link: as the lake’s water levels drop, more dust gets released into the air. Mallia emphasized that raising the lake’s water would cover more of the shoreline, leading to less dust exposure.
This dust isn’t just harmful to people’s health; it also impacts Utah’s snowpack. Dust settling on snow can cause it to melt faster — potentially two to three weeks earlier than usual. This quickening happens because dust darkens the snow, allowing it to absorb more sunlight, leading to faster melting.
The effects of dust exposure aren’t limited to the mountains. Areas like the west side of Salt Lake Valley often experience higher levels of dust, which can be harmful if inhaled deeply.
Interestingly, not all dust in the region comes from the Great Salt Lake. The model also considers dust from other sources, like nearby lakes and the West Desert.
As air quality and climate change continue to be pressing issues, understanding dust exposure becomes crucial for public health. With rising temperatures and decreasing water levels in the lake, it’s important for residents to be aware of how these factors intersect.
For further insights and to explore how this model can help, check out the Great Salt Lake Basin Dust Exposure Modeling Tool.
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